http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/29d4ae0579a6cd558096206e30f8add5.PDF 54fed1aa43124b8ccb6786aad41317b3 PDF Text Text Official Pnblicatimi oi the SMfarers Inti iUnkm • Gidf, Lakes and Inland Waters District • Afli-CIO I VoL 4d No. 4 April 19d4 LIBRARY MAU.51984 Ship, SlU Wins 10 More to tie oid ...OFWBCONSW MAOBON. W S3706 .-A . •. I 3- —See Page 12 'i The new crane ships will have four 30 metric ton cranes with an outreach of 121 feet. Special training will be required to operate and maintain this equipment. • S.. SlU Launches Nationwide Drive -See Page 12 SlU Crews Conference Maps Program for Future See Pages 17-24 if SlU President Frank Drozak brings his grassroots program to the people of Missouri. At right is SlU Vice President (and the Port Council's secretary-treasurer) Mike Sacco who sen/ed as host for the evening. Inland Crews Conference Planned June 3-8 in Piney Point Jane and Andrew Bonney-Norfolk at the Conference •h Licensed and unlicensed delegates from all SlU Inland companies will meet to discuss and deal with the status of the Industry and the many problems we face. Your SlU representatives will be In touch with you with more information. SIUNA Convention May 28-30 in Piney Point Executive Board to Meet May 26. {See convention Notice, Page 2.) & �p^. President's Report by Frank Drozak *17 W HEN was the last time you read anything or saw something on the news about the maritime industry and your Union? Probably the last time we did something to rock the boat of the conglomerates and "free traders" who control the nation's press. There's a way to change that and it's up to you. I hope most of you went to April 14's grass­ roots campaign meetings around the country, because it is our SIU brothers and sisters and their families an4 friends who are the keys we need to turn our industry around and get this nation back on the road to re­ covery. There is hunger and poverty and despair in oiir na­ tion. The SIU needs you, because the grassroots campaign is talk­ ing about our jobs, our job se­ curity and the future of our families. Those are important issues to us. But this is not some selfish "special interest" here. We are also talking about the future of this country. We know we can't survive in this world without a fleet—a fleet to help America militarily and a fleet to carry our goods around the world. It's strange that all of us sail­ ors know how important Amer­ ica's maritime industry is, but our college-educated leaders with their fancy Ivy League degrees can't seem to grasp such a sim­ ple fact. The country's "free­ traders" and massive interna­ tional conglomerates have al­ most succeeded in convincing people that we don't need a merchant marine. Well, we do need a U.S. mer­ chant fleet. After we got the shaft in the 1946 Ship Relief Act, after they started to put everybody on the beach and dismantle the fleet, Korea blew up. So they broke out our ships and we manned them. When the crisis was over, the ships went into mothballs or scrapyards and the merchant seamen were back on the beach. We got a lot of promises from a lot of people, but no action. Then suddenly they needed us again to carry troops and supplies to Vietnam. Well once again merchant sailors and ship­ ping companies came to the res­ cue. Once again when that war was over, they just shoved us off to the side like an unwanted war baby. While the politicians gave us promises, the scrapyard burners were kept busy ripping apart merchant ships which had no work. At the same time, the Soviets kept building. They knew the value of a merchant fleet and started a massive buildup. From 1960 to today, their fleet grew from 500 ships to 2,700, while ours shrank from 2,000 to less than 500. As usual, the politi­ cians were out there flapping their lips about how important the merchant fleet was, but they weren't doing much of anything else. LOG Here we are today. Fifty per­ cent of you can't find work, 50 percent or more of the men and women who used to work the nation's shipyards can't find work. The ships we have are about 18 years old and they can't find work. But I'll tell you one thing we can all find without looking too hard—politicians' promises. You can just about trip over them here in Washing­ ton. During the past few years, I have testified in the House and Senate dozens of times about ways we could help save the fleet. We've won a few here and lost others there. It's been a lot like running in place. You work your tail off but you don't get too far. Well, we're going to start moving. I've talked to all the presi­ dential candidates and to the president's advisors. They hav­ en't shown me anything yet for the maritime industry. That's why we haven't endorsed any­ one and that's why we won't until they tell us exactly what they are going to do for us. But you've got to understand one thing about politicians. If they don't think anybody cares about an issue, they're not going to waste their time on it. We've got to make people care. We've got to make people understand. We've got to let them know that the maritime industry is impor­ CONVENTION NOTICE Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CiO 1984 Triennial Convention The SlUNA will hold an Executive Board meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 1984 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. The SiUNA Triennial Convention will convene at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 28-30, 1984 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Resolutions and Reports should be sent to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer, SIUNA, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746, as soon as possible in order to meet the printer's deadline. Olflclal Publication ol the Seatareis International Union ol North America, Atlantic. Gull. Lakes and Inland Waters District. AFL-CIO April 1984 President Joe DIGIorglo Ray Bourdlus Assistant Editor Washington Max Hail Assistant Editor New York Ed Turner Secretary-Treasurer Vice President Marietta Hom^onpour Associate Editor New York Executive Vice President Mike Sacco Vice President Joe Sacco Lynnette Marshall Assistant Editor Washington Leon Hall Vice President George McCartney Vice President Vice President Mike Hall Associate Editor Washington Deborah Greene Assistant Editor Washington Vol. 46. No. 4 Executive Board Frank Drozak Angus "Red" Campbell Charles Svenson Editor tant to them, to the nation and to our security. That will take manpower. We need you, your wives, your fam­ ilies, your children, your friends, your neighbors. We need these people to understand how im­ portant this is. We need you and others to confront the candi­ dates, the presidency, for the Senate and House. We need you to ask the candidates what their positions are, what they plan to do. Go to the airports with your signs. Go to their hotels, their rallies and their conferences. If «very time a candidate turns around and sees a group of peo­ ple asking about the merchant marine, maybe we'll get his at­ tention. We've got to carry our issues to the people and the candi­ dates. We've got to work to­ gether. This is an effort that will need all of our energy and all of our dedication. I believe that if we can get our message to the candidates and to the people, we can begin to rebuild this industry. Our organization has won many fights throughout the years because we have always had the total involvement of our mem­ bership. Never before has this involvement and commitment been more critical. We are counting on you to involve your families and your community. I think we are goihg to succeed. 0.* The LOG (ISSN 0160-2047) is published monthly by Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf. Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO, 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, Md. 20746. Tel. 8990675. Second-class postage paid at M.S.C. Prince Georges, Md. 20790-9998 and at additional POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746. 2/LOG/April 1984 if- 7 - f.-® �^ •• '-If Many Groups Helped vr%- t; -; flJaskan Oil Fight Showed That Unity Can Work When the Reagan administra­ tion took office more than three years ago, the word was out that Alaskan oil might be up for export. Ever since the first drop of North Slope oil flowed down the pipeline, the entire produc­ tion was reserved for domestic American use. That oil had been a giant boost for the Alaskan economy, pumping billions of dollars into that state's economy. The oil had been a security blanket of sorts for the United States. It was a guaranteed source of oil in troubled times, and it was a source of oil the United States controlled, not some war-torn Middle Eastern state. It also meant militarily useful ships were not scrapped. That oil also meant a lot of jobs for the merchant marine. SlU-contracted companies, along with others, moved that oil from Valdez to various American ports for refining. The Jones Act meant that oil had to be carried on American ships. The benefits from that oil were spread around to every Ameri­ can in the form of lower prices and increased energy independ­ ence. But a move to export the Alaskan oil would have jerked the rug out from under the American public and the U.S.flag fleet. That was why when noises were heard about export. a wide-reaching group of orga­ nizations came together to fight the short-sighted policy of ex­ porting Alaskan oil. The Coalition to Keep Alaska Oil, spearheaded by heavy SIU The House and Senate were scheduled to go into conference over the Export Administration Act, which bans the export of Alaskan oil. The main difference in the versions is the length of ban, six years in the Senate bill and four in the House version. This is a look at the role of the Coalition to Keep Alaska Oil and some of the problems it faced in the struggle to stop the export. involvement and commitment from Frank Drozak went to work. Consumer groups, farm organizations, utilities, labor unions, environmental groups and others banded together. Coalition members faced powerful public relations and lobbying groups, backed by the state of Alaska which would realize even more money if the oil was sent to Japan. Coalition members had to lobby senators and representa­ tives. They had to rebut faulty studies about the benefit of ex­ port. They had to convince the public that Alaskan oil had to be kept. Almost every merchant ma­ rine union went to bat for the coalition. While jobs were cer­ tainly an issue of the fight, the maritime unions tried to show Congress what the oil meant to national security, energy secu­ rity and the economy as a whole. From making major research studies to pointing out what should have been obvious, co­ alition members were kept busy. Two examples of the kind of half-baked logic the Coalition not only had to contend with but rebut included a proposal to ship some of the oil to Japan on U.S. ships and to "swap" the Alaskan crude with oil from Mexico. In the first case, the Coali­ tion had to point out that the distance from Valdez to Japan is much shorter and that the oil would be carried in huge, smallcrewed supertankers. It would mean very few jobs for the mar­ itime industry. It would mean the current roster of small, mil­ itarily useful tankers would have no work and would be scrapped or laid up. So, the jobs would be gone, the ships would be gone and the oil would be gone. That's not much of a compro­ mise. The Mexican "oil swap" made less sense. Mexican oil is a dif­ ferent type of crude oil and American refineries are not equipped to handle it. Like so many others in the Alaska oil equation, they had invested bil­ lions to use the domestic Alas­ kan oil. Secondly, it would mean the U.S. once again would be dependent upon a foreign source of oil, as the Middle East be­ came even more shaky. Third, the ships and the jobs would still be lost. Answering those questions and dozens more were just part of the Coalition's job. It had to make sure Congress understood the importance of the Alaskan oil and not be snowed by the fancy public relations and faulty arguments. The fight should have been a simple question of what was right and wrong, logic versus illogic, common sense against harebrained plans. But it turned into a three-year struggle which showed what can be done in the face of heavy odds and wellfinanced opposition. It showed what a group of diverse orga­ nizations can do when they come together for a common goal. It showed that old saying is true, "in unity, there is strength." Member Gets $35,000 Medical Payment SIU Stops User Fee Move Fast action by the SIU elim­ inated a proposed amendment to the House Port Development bill which could have cost U.S. ship operators millions in unfair user fees, and might have cost hundreds of jobs. H.R. 3678, which had been reported out from the House Public Works and Transporta­ tion Committee, was being readied for mark-up by the full House Merchant Marine Com­ mittee earlier this month. It con­ tained a provision that prohibits levying user fees on ships which would not need the extra depth added to the nation's harbor channels under the bill. Specif­ ically it banned user fees on ships of less than 45 feet in draft. The proposed amendment would have slapped user fees on all ships using the harbor channels, whether they needed the added depth or not. "This amendment would al­ low unfair taxation of U.S.-flag vessel operators engaged in for­ eign and domestic conunerce who do not need nor want channels in excess of 45 feet," SIU Pres­ ident Frank Drozak wrote in letters to committee members. The user fees in the bill were designed to help ports recover the costs for improving and deepening their channels. But, as Drozak pointed out, most of the ships needing the extra depth would be foreign-flag colliers. "The cruel irony of the amendment is that it would re­ duce seagoing jobs for Ameri­ can seamen and boatmen while increasing employment oppor­ tunities for foreign crews," he said. The amendment was not in­ troduced. Receiving a $35,000 Seafarers Welfare Plan check from Jack Caffey (I.), special assistant to the SIU president, is Brother Ahmatbin Paul Amat. Seafarer Amat accepted the check in the port of New York on behalf of his father. Bosun Kasmair 'King' Amat. The check covered the hospital costs incurred by Brother Kasmair Amafs wife, Maria, when her leg was amputated late last year at Beekman Downtown Hospital in New York City. SPR Fill Level Reaches 50% In 1983 The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) reached a fill level of 379.1 millions barrels of oil in 1983, more than half of the SPR's goal of 750 million barrels and more than triple the level when the adminis­ tration took office in 1980. The current fill of the SPR means an increase of 85.3 million barrels more than the 293.8 million barrels in storage at the end of 1982, showing an average daily fill rate of 233,654 barrels during 1983. April 1984/LOG/3 �A U S. Maritime Policy Is Still the Only Answer Drozak Says New CDS Bill Is Only a 'First Step' ^ Despite the Reagan adminis­ tration's best attempts, the Con­ struction Differential Subsidy (CDS) issue is not dead. Even though the SIU supports one CDS proposal before Congress, a complete and comprehensive maritime program is still the answer to the decline of the U.S. fleet. "It is time for this committee to act on a national cargo pro­ gram aimed at revitalizing all segments of the maritime indus­ try. Such a program should be aimed at expanding the size of the U.S. fleet as well as provid­ ing an adequate share of new vessel construction for U.S. yards. Without full revitalization supported by the govern­ ment, the U.S. maritime indus­ try will soon cease to exist," SIU President Frank Drozak stated in testimony presented by SIU Legislative Director Frank Pecquex before the House Merchant Marine Subcommit­ tee late this month. Drozak was testifying on two CDS Bills. The first, H.R. 5091, would authorize $250 million in Fiscal 1985 and also eliminate (Jie current 50 percent cap. In other words, if a ship costs $20 million to build, the builder un­ der the 50 percent limit would be allowed to collect $10 million in CDS. While the other bill provides about $450 million over two years, it would also allow Operating Differential Subsidy buyouts and allow operators with CDS to purchase their ships from foreign builders. The SIU testified against those provi­ sions. "It is time for this nation to recognize the utmost impor­ tance of providing a sufficient program to ensure an adequate shipyard mobilization base. H.R. 5091 recognizes this and pro­ vides a vital first step on the long road back to a healthy industry," Drozak's statement continued. He also said that by reviving CDS funds, which Reagan elimr inated three years ago, it would place the U.S. in a somewhat better position against heavily subsidized foreign competition. "H.R. 5091 is a minor step in comparison with these foreign subsidy programs, but until a comprehensive program to re­ vitalize the industry is imple­ mented, it is a necessary stop­ gap," the SIU argued. Oi^e of the major reasons it costs so much less to build a ship in a foreign yard is because of the large government in­ volvement in tax breaks, sub­ sidies and sometimes direct payments, as well as low inter­ est rate's, seamen's tax deferrals and other inducements. That is why it could cbst as much as 60 to 70 percent more to build the same ship in an American yard. With the 50 percent limit, it would still mean a very large difference in costs that could not be made up and could still price a U.S. ship out of the range of a potential operator. "We recognize this may re­ duce the number of vessels built with CDS. But we fear that with an arbitrary 50 percent lid, no operators would be able to take « J • . A 1 advantage of any new construc­ tion in U.S. yards," Drozak statedThe other bill, H.R. 5220, simply eliminates one support program for another, "causing a further loss of seafaring jobs through the possible building of larger but fewer ships," most of which would be container ships with little military value, he pointed out. The SIU statement stressed again that the answer to the nation's maritime problems, both military and commercial, is a full and comprehensive mari­ time program, not a piecemeal approach. 0/4m/0«fonrO 0*^*7 nAivr SIU Fishermen's Affiliates To Meet May 27 in Piney Point The SlU-merged Atlantic Fishermen's Union (AFU) of Gloucester and New Bedford, Mass., the Fishermen's Union of America, the Pacific and the Caribbean and the Alaska Fish­ ermen's Union will attend a Fishermen's Conference on May 27 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Pin^y Point, Md. SIUNA VP and UIW Na­ tional Director Steve Edney will be chairman of the conference. Do You Have A U.S. Government SECRET Clearance? Attending will be AFU Presi­ dent Mike Orlando and AFU's Joe Piva of New Bedford; Fishermen's Union of America President Jack Tarantino and the Alaska Fishermen's Union President Ken Olsen. In 1981, when the SIU's Triennial Convention was held in Washington, D.C., the dele­ gates resolved that the U.S. State Department should protect the rights of American tuna fisher­ men in negotiations with the governments of Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru who had seized U.S. tuna boats. Grassroots Campaign SlU-contracted cx)mpanies which will be operating Navy support vessels may require SECRET clearances for jobs on some of these vessels. If you have ever had a SECRET clearance from the U.S. Government, please send details on this form: Mail To: Contract Dept. Seafarers International Union PLEASE PRINT 5201 Auth Way PLEASE PRINT Camp Springs, Md. 20746 -7 . Name Social Security No. Rating Book No. Address street or RR3/Box No. City or Towrr State ZIP Phone: When did you get a U.S. Government SECRET Clearance? From What Government Agency? fArea Code) Frank Drozak addresses delegates of the Detroit and Southeast Mich­ igan Port Council, MTD, stressing the importance of labor strength at the grassroots level. 4/LOG/April 1984 i%~, i-. .•'i m �Our Members AfWerb SlU Schedules 3 SONAT Crew's Conferences All SONAT Fleets Take Part in Talks; Union Solidarity Needed in Troubled Times Inland News ••• ••• National Marine Committee Holds Fast in Contract Talks Despite economic hard times in the Midwest, the National Marine Membership Committee held fast in wage reopener negotiations in St. Louis last month. The group, pictured from left to right, won an increase in wages for National Marine employees. They are: Captain Red Benoit; Chief Engineer Frank Stanley; Mike Dagan, port agent; Robert Charlet, cook; Captain Lars "Winky" Rood, and Pat Pillsworth, New Orleans port agent. 1984 promises to be a big year for SIU members who work in the tug and barge industry. The industry is at a crossroads. There is stiff competition from other transportation modes. The move is on toward corporate mergers. Never before has the strength of labor unity been more im­ portant. As the barge companies grow larger, the workers On the boats and barges lose their identities and become profit and loss numbers on corporate ledger books. Later this year, a series of contracts must be negotiated between the SIU and SONAT, a large energy conglomerate whose subsidiaries include a number of tug and barge com­ panies. In order to maximize our chances for a decent contract, the SIU has scheduled a series of Crews Conferences aimed specifically for members who work for SONAT companies. The conferences, which will be held at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship in Piney Point, Md., are scheduled to be held at three different times: May 13, June 10 and June 24. Each conference will begin on a Sunday and last until Friday. Delegates will have time to check out on Saturday. The first contract to come up later this year will be the Green Fleet (lOT). Given the fact, the SIU urges that at least three delegates from each active Green Fleet boat attend the confer­ ence. The delegates should be broken down into the following categories: one licensed officer, one AB or cook, and one tankerman. We would also like to have at least one delegate from each active White Fleet boat to at­ tend, as well as one delegate from both the IBC and Harbor Fleets to act as observers. The conference will give the members a chance to discuss the upcoming contract negotia­ tions, as well as express any­ thing else that is on their minds. Nothing is off limits: We must iron out any differences that we may have in order to go into the upcoming contract talks united and strong. 14 Inland Contracts Are In Negotiations in 5 Port Areas There are 14 inland contracts now in the process of negotia­ tions for SIU Boatmen in five ports. Another inland contract will be negotiated in the port of Philadelphia this summer. In the Great Lakes port of Algonac, Mich., the voting bal­ lots were mailed out to Lakers' Boatmen of the Great Lakes Towing Co. Their contract ex­ pired on March 31. Contract negotiations are on­ going for Boatmen of the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. In the port of Norfolk, vote ballots were mailed out to Boat­ men of Marine Towing and Transportation and American Towing and Transportation. On April 16, the votes were counted and both contracts were ratified by the membership. Negotia­ tions were still going on at American Towing's Southern Division. Other contract negotiations are continuing there at the STC Lit­ tle Curtis Co., Niagara Barge Co., Oswego Barge Co., Sher­ idan Transportation and at In­ land Towing and Coastal Tow­ ing (Allied Towing). In the port of New Orleans, negotiations were on still at Whitman Towing and at Radcliff Materials with a 30-day exten­ sion given to negotiators for Crescent Towing. In the port of Mobile, Radcliff Materials negotiators got a 30- day extension to continue talks. Their contract ended April 5. The Pilot Service contract has been renewed and ratified by the membership on April 5. In the port of Philadelphia, contract negotiations will start up for Interstate Oil Transport sometime in June or July. The contract expires Aug. 14. The Changing Scene Melvin Teasenfltz, cook onboard the Ambassador, will retire later this year after 24 years. Gary Walters is a tankerman onboard lOT's #1 barge, April 1984/LOG/5 "II'I �f^,n ft ;( Dixie Strike in 2nd Year SlU Hits Dixie Carriers on Many Fronts As the SIU's strike against Dixie Carriers enters its second year, the Union is continuing to fight the company on several fronts. Depositions are being taken from Dixie company officials as part of the $21 million lawsuit that the Union has pending against the inland carrier in the 165th State District Court in Harris County, Texas. The SIU is charging the company and its supervisors with conspiracy to destroy the Union. Soon the SIU will be going into court in New Orleans on an unfair labor practices charge that the Union brought against Dixie before the National Labor Relations Board. Meanwhile Union members are also leafletting and picketing wherever Dixie equipment docks and the SIU is continuing its campaign to inform the public about this union busting com­ pany. In the process of servicing the boats, the SIU has discovered that Dixie Carriers is not living up to the contract that presently exists. The contract that was in force before the strike began on April 1,1983 is still legally bind­ ing upon the company. SIU representatives are find­ ing that there are a number of disputes and overtime claims. The Union intends to pursue these with ^ company to see that the existing contract is en­ forced for all workers on the boats. According to SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Joe Sacco, "We intend to see that justice pre­ vails for all Boatmen at Dixie. And before we are through and successfully conclude this fight with Dixie, the entire inland industry will be affected by the changes we intend to bring about." In Memorlam Pensioner Wil­ liam Clayton WiUiamson, 78, passed away from lung failure in the Mobile In­ firmary on March 4. Brother Wil­ liamson joined the Union in the port of Mobile in 1956 sailing as a chief engi­ neer for Bay Towing from 1956 to 1959 and for Radcliff Mate­ rials in 1963. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Born in Monroe County, Ala., he was a resident of Mobile. Burial was in Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile. Surviving is a sister, Alice V. Brannon of Mobile. Pensioner Henry Suire, 63, died on Feb. 19. Brother Suire joined the Union in the port of Port Arthur, Texas in 1963 sailing as a tankerman for Sabine Towing from 1952 to 1963. He was a former member of the NMU. Boatman Suire was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. A native of Matero, La., he was a resident 6/LOG/April 1984 of Sabine Pass, Texas. Surviv­ ing are his widow, Evda; a sister Mrs. O.S. Hall of Sabine Pass and a granddaughter. Donna Lundry. Dunbar & Sullivan Wins 5 Contracts! Dunbar and Sullivan was the low bidder on five dredging contracts to start soon and be completed by December. The dredging is to be done at Conneaut, Ohio; Fairpoint, Ohio; Cleveland River and Harbor; Rochester, N.Y. and Oswego, N.Y. National Marine Wage Reopener Taiks On Wage reopener negotiations at National Marine for Boatmen in the port of St. Louis concluded early this month with wage increases negotiated. Vote Ballots Out at Marine, American Towing Vote ballots on new contracts for Boatmen at Marine Towing and Transportation and American Towing and Transportation in the port of Norfolk were mailed out and were counted on April 16. Both contracts were ratified by the membership. Guif intercoastal Waterway a Winner The Gulf Intercoastal Waterway (GIWW) and its tributaries, stretching more than a 1,000 miles from central Florida to the Texas-Mexico border, are a big success. The cash to build the canal came from the U.S. Congress in the 1920s and was expected to carry 5 million tons of cargo yearly. Today, the GIWW carries 100 million tons of cargo a year! Most of the cargo is petroleum and petrochemicals. But the GlWt/V is also a link for the ports of Houston, New Orleans and Mobile in the shipment of general cargo. Negotiations on new contracts at Sheridan Transportation, Allied Towing, Inland Towing and Coastal Towing were still going on early this month. Great Lakes D & D Bids Low on Baltimore Jobs The Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., Oakbrook, III., was the apparent low bidder with a bid of $13.2 million last month to dredge the six-mile main shipping channel of Baltimore Harbor. NLRB Rules Against ACBL, Again A half million dollar back-pay with interest award was won by 16 SIU members employed by Inland Tugs in a National Labor Relations case last month that is the fifth in a series of deter­ minations against an ACBL company. Presiding over hearings on unfair labor practices in the fill­ ing of job assignments, an ad­ ministrative law judge found the employees registered at the con­ tractually-provided hiring hall were kept ashore while other workers were hired from "off the bank" or through other sim­ ilarly improper channels in 1980 and 1981. ACBL is just one of many companies affiliated with the Texas Gas Corporation, a giant inland waterway conglomerate which practices union busting techniques. In the last NLRB ruling in­ volving two Texas Gas affili­ ates, a catalogue of charges •. _' - • -• - brought > against the Louisiana Dock Company and American Commercial Terminals by the SlU-affiliated United Industrial Workers were upheld. The judge's decision concluded the companies had no legal grounds in changing the UIW contract, failing to pay contributions to UIW pension and welfare plans, instituting layoffs without bar­ gaining with the UIW, and changing contractually agreed upon wages and work hours. Pensioners Wallace Vic­ tor De Luca, 62, joined the Union in the port of Phil­ adelphia in 1975 sailing as a launch captain on the launch Silver (Inde­ Comet pendent Towing) from 1974 to 1984. Brother De Luca is a vet­ eran of the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and the U.S. Navy in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was born in Philadelphia and is a resident there. m Bernard Flet­ cher Freburger Jr., 61, joined the Union in the port of Baltimore in 1956 sailing as a mate and pilot on I the tug Resolute (Baker-Whitely Towing) from 1943 to 1977. Brother Freburger was a former member of the ILA. He was born in Baltimore and is a resident of Glen Burnie, Md. Support Your Union! i �f. STORY & PHOTOS By OEBORAH GRBE \• If' I %f:,-. In the port of Milwaukee, Wis., the Medusa Challenger Is about ready to sail to Charlevoix, Mich, for a new load of cargo. Fitout aboard the H. Lee White was taking place at the Bay Shipbuilding Corp. in Sturgeon Bay. The^en'can Republic lies alongside the Detroit Edison which is soon to be scrapped. Great Lakes Fitout '84 F OLLOWING one of the coldest winters on record, where temperatures of well be­ low zero in Wisconsin and Michigan were not unusual, the iCe of the Great Lakes is break­ ing up. It's late March. Spring on the Great' Lakes is coming. You can't tell by the crocuses poking their heads out of the thawing ground or by the young buds on the trees. There aren't.any yet. Spring on the Great Lakes is armounced by "fitout," and activity on the Lakes is begin­ ning. Shipping on the Lakes shuts down for the winter months when the ice comes and the Lakes are frozen and urmavigable. But come spring, the sea­ son starts anew. The ice gets soft, grumbles, cracks and breaks up. Seafarers come from their homes near and far to returrrio the jobs they left be­ hind last December. One crewman has stayed aboard each vessel, tied up at the various ports on the Great Lakes, throughout the long winter. Now he is joined by his returning crewmates. Members of the steward department are usually the first to arrive aboard the ships. They begin to com­ plete their stores and prepare the galley and messrooms to serve up hearty meals for the deck and engine department personnel who will soon fol­ low. Within the next couple of weeks, and following a man­ datory Coast Guard inspection of each vessel, the Lakers will have their ships ready to sail. Most of the Lake vessels to­ day are self-unloaders which m^es the process of unloading their heavy cargoes—coal, sand, stone, iron ore pellets and The ocean-going Keystone State, with its impressive and somewhat ominous cranes, was being refitted at the Bay Shipbuilding Corp. in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. gravel—^more efficient. By late March, the Medusa Challenger (Cement Transit), anchored for the winter in the port of Milwaukee, Wis., had already completed her Coast Guard inspection. About to un­ load cement which had been stored in her holds all winter long, she was then scheduled to sail to Charlevoix, Mich, to pick up a new cargo. Further north, in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., a number of veteran Laker ships—the St. Clair (American Steamship), Paul Thayer (Pringle Transit), H. Lee White (American Steamship), American Republic (American Steamship) and Indiana Harbor (American Steamship)—^were getting their crews organized. One new sight at the Bay Shipbuilding Corp. in Sturgeon Bay, was the ocean-going Key­ stone State. Previously named the President Harrison, this for­ mer passenger-freighter was recenfiy acquired by the U.S. Navy and is being operated by Interocean Management Corp. of Philadelphia, Pa. for the Mil­ itary Sealift Command. MarAd has selected Interocean Man­ agement Corp. to serve as the government's general agent in managing and operating this first auxiliary crane ship (TACS 1) converted under a joint U.S. Navy/MarAd program. Still in the process of being refitted, the Keystone State will soon sail (Continued on Page 8.) •I ApriM984/LOG/7 I. �i:.•••' ' r '- . ' If the dirt on his coveralls are any indication of . the work he's been doing, Bill Truax (r.), con- I MiMii We see two views of Manati M. Ahmed, porter on the Medusa Challenger, as he scrubs a pot. li/like Budn^ QMED, operates the hoist aboard the American Republic. ifGitOTan M^'ha^r^d'^ISr busy. Looking on is Gateman Muhammad All. Great Lakes Fitout '84 (Continued from Page 7.) to Norfolk, Va. for approxi­ mately 30 days of aditional refitting. The 51 SIU members ,•1 who will crew this vessel will also require further training in order to operate the ship's im­ pressive and somewhat omi­ nous cranes. (See story on page 1.) While none of the Great Lakes Bulk carriers will ever see the open ocean, serving aboard them is filled with enough dan­ gers and risks from the furious storms which periodically rake the deep and treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. And each spring, from their winter hi­ bernation, they sail out again— bearing this nation's vital car­ goes from one end of these huge lakes to the other. But how long can this con­ tinue? These ships are already part of a vanishing breed—of a declining industry. Where once there were over 600 vessels on the Great Lakes, there are now only 110. And of these, nearly one-half are laid up and 60 percent of the men and women who sail them remain idle. SIU President Frank Drozak has stressed the need for polit­ ical action to spur the economy of the nation and of the Great Lakes region. One specific plan under way is the Grassroots Campaign which will be ex­ plained to all members and their families at the SIU meetings on April 14. It is hoped that by educating the people of this nation and the candidates run­ ning for office of the need for a strong and healthy merchant marine, shipping on the Great Lakes will once again flourish and provide jobs for American workers. -i] ' : ag,®. ft •ii, ' •' I '' '••• • Ai - y Steve Hess, 3rd assistant engineer, does some work in the console room of the Paul Thayer. 8/LOG/April 1984 The Indiana Harbor serves up some hearty meals. Part of the galley crew includes, from the left: Harry Petersen, 2nd cook; Jim Mulcahy, porter; and Haroid K. Dean, steward. �Ali Hadad, porter, helps organize the stores aboard the Paul Thayer. Dan Oberle, electrician, gives a few final turns of the screwdriver aboard the/ncf/ana Harbor. Edward Savickes from Sarasota, Fla. is a QMED and engine room delegate aboard the Indiana Harbor. Great Lakes Fitout '84 April 1984/LOG/9 X HB5-Sf= �•a> •af-i'j. .1# Yi Abdulla Alsamawi, messman aboard the Medusa S3d: ^mavTfsa^^l^eyTointgSdur^^ Zn Kelley ia^ an «ler abcirt The Madaaa Ray (1979) and returned for upgrading in 1981. Challenger. unaiie g . Great Lakes Fitout '84 •I],. m-- From aboard the H. Lee White, Wheelsman Louis Diehl (I.), shipyard worker Joe Feld (center) and Watchman Dwayne Witt watch the activities onshore. Aboard the H. Lee White, crewmembers are getting the ship in tiptop shsipe. Among them 2U"e QMED and engine delegate Gary Johnston (I.) and QMED Ray Kuzminski. n- . =^v I vl; • 'V; w, The hamburgers on the H. Lee White start out as perfect large round meatballs until Gregory Montgomery (r.), steward, flattens them. Looking on are Danforth Welty (I.), 2nd cook, and Ghani Mohssen, GSU. Carl Shircel, bosun on the Medusa Challenger, shows off one of his homemade clocks. He has a small workshop below where he makes them in his spare time. 10/LOG/April 1984 I �Members of the Keystone State just received the latest LOG. Here are (standing, I. to r.) ABs George Cruz, Luis Morales and Michael Lagasse. Sitting in the middle is AB Felix Santiago. In the front row are three cousins from Brooklyn: Jose Ross, steward assistant; Alberto Ross, OS; and Jose A. Ross, AB. Yahia Kald, porter, helps get the American Republic in order. Deckhand Bob Donald is busy moving barrels aboard the Medusa Challenger. Harold Warner, wheelsman, takes the brake off the winches aboard the Medusa Challenger. .'i Part of the Indiana Harbor's crew includes (I. to r.) Anthony KowalskI, watchman; Herman Wolgast, bosun; and Salah B. Salah, deckhand. Here's a view of the decks of the H. Lee White and Indiana Hfrbor, tied up together at the Bay Shipbuilding Corp. in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Great Lakes Fitout '84 April 1984/LOG/II �SlU Wins New Crane Ship, 10 More to Be Bid !: Fifty-one Seafarers will man the first converted crane ship under charter to the Navy when the vessel becomes fully oper­ ational in a program that plans to put 11 of the specialized ships into the nation's defense fleet. Interocean Management Corp. won the contract for the first ship from six other companies which submitted bids. The ship, the Keystone State, is steaming from its conversion site at Stur­ geon Bay, Wis. to Norfolk for scheduled seatrials and dem­ onstrations later this year. After that the ship will be assigned to the Ready Reserve Heet. Along with the new jobs pro­ vided, the crane ship program, known as TAGS, will allow SIU members the chance to learn the specialized skills needed to operate the ship. The Keystone State is unique in several ways. It was designed to off-load container ships and others up to Panamax size in underdeveloped areas without modem port facilities. The ship carries its own powered cause­ way, which would stretch from the ship to shore. The specialized set of three twin rotating pedestal cranes would lift cargo, including mas­ sive M-60 tanks, from a ship tied alongside, swing the cargo over the Keystone State and onto the powered causeway on the other side. The cargo would -Great Lakes Fitout '84 B, then be driven to shore. The Drozak said. In addition to the crane ships, ship would also carry its own cargo in eight holds with three the Navy is in the process of tuming over to private industry seasheds. Because its mission is new, the civilian operation of some along with much of its equip­ 30 other ships currently under ment, SIU members who crew the Military Sealift Command. the ship will be trained in its A number of SlU-contracted operation at the Seafarers Harry companies are submitting bids Lundeberg School of Seaman­ to operate these ships, which ship and also on the ship itself range from tugs and cable-layers to missile range and underway during its stay in Norfolk. The crew will include crane replenishment vessels. operators and maintenance per­ The Keystone State was orig­ sonnel, cargo handlers and the inally built as a C-4 in 1966. It ship operating crew. "I hope this is just the first was converted to a C-6 in 1973. of many new opportunities for As the President Harrison it was SIU members. These crane ships operated by American President will put a lot of Seafarers back Lines until 1982. Bay Shipbuild­ to work," SIU President Frank ing did the conversion work. Grassroots Campai^ri Taken to Missouri . SIU President Frank Drozak brought the Maritime Trade De­ partment's grassroots campaign to the men and women of Mis­ souri last month when he ad­ dressed approximately 500 peo­ ple at the annual dinner dance of the Greater St. Louis and Vicinity Port Maritime Council. Drozak talked about the ef­ fects that the Reagan adminis­ tration has had on the working people of America-—of the dras­ tic cuts in unemployment com­ pensation as well as in Medi­ care, Social Security, care for the elderly and education for the young. "Kids graduating today," he said, "will not have jobs to­ morrow at the rate this admin­ istration is allowing industry to export jobs. "We've been told that after three years of Reaganomics, America has turned around. Things may be fine on Wall Street," he continued, "but they are sure not fine on Main Street." He noted that "free trade" is really not free since foreign gov­ ernments subsidize their prod­ ucts. This gives them an unfair advantage over American goods which are not government-sub­ sidized and which have no gov­ ernment support. "We will compete with anyone, but the rules of competition have to be equal. And they are not equal and everyone knows it." Drozak urged the guests to take the message into the streets of America—as part of a grass­ roots campaign—to get the working men and women of America to makb themselves heard at the ballot box in the upcoming November elections. •f I His work done aboard the Paul Thayer, Gateman Muhammad All takes a few reflective moments. Steve Hess, 3rd engineer, and Abdulla H. "Peanuts" EInaham, wiper, smile through the dirt as they work aboard the Pau/Thayer. 12/LOG/April 1984 mm �dt%S«f. • - - a. r• •-'•M AB's Quick Action Saves Shipmate If it had not been for the "prompt and effective action" taken by AB Charles Brambles aboard the SS Santa Elena (Delta Line) on Feb. 9 coming to the lifesaving aid of his stricken shipmate, Clifton Blake, "it is probable that [he] could have bled to death." A letter from the company commended Seafarer Brambles for assisting his fellow crew- member in the accident which "undoubtedly contributed to saving Blake's life." The letter explained that"... immediately after the springline parted, striking Blake and [an­ other crewmember] you [Bram­ bles] quickly snatched a rope stopper off bitts and applied it as a tourniquet above Blake's left knee in order to prevent the profuse bleeding at the time. . ." Delta Line's letter went on to say to Brambles: "Your action was exemplary of the highest traditions of the sea. During the monlents of confusion that nor­ mally surround an accident of this nature, you were able to keep a cool head and apply your knowledge effectively to assist your stricken comrade. . . . All of us here are proud that you are sailing with us." Personals Alan J. Auspin Old Checks Await Seafarers Please get in contact with T. Same phone and address. Michael William Barren The following members have received checks from the Bankruptcy Court Trustees for Seatrade Corporation (A.H, Bull Lines) from 196% Alfred A. Bliksaur, Virgile Guest, Gustave Renare Please contact your sister, Patsy Hardegree, 298 Mesa St., North Port, Fla. 335%, or tele­ phone (813) 426-7705. Jfrfm Berg Your nephew, Jim McDermott, would like you to con­ tact him at (216) 723-8123. James Biehl Please contact your family at 3906 E. Driftwood Dr., Mobile, Ala. 36605. Joseph F. Billiotti Please contact your sister, Mary Billiotti, in Marrero, La. (504)347-3436.. Clement Lesley Brett Your aunt, Mrs. Lurline Law­ rence, would like to get in touch with you. Please contact her at 98a Broughton Rd., SW6, Lon­ don, England. Francis Joseph Cotter Your brother Leo asks that you caU him at (404) 261-4971. Bob Erwin Davis Please contact your wife Brenda regarding your children. It is very important. Her ad­ dress is: 947 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23451. CL —Company/Lakes L Lakn NP -Non Priority If any members know of their whereabouts, or (if they are deceased) of their heirs or personal representatives or family, they should write: Secretary-Treasurer's Office Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, Md. 20746 PMA Shipping Scene March 1984 REGISTERED SHIFFED SAN FRANCISCO Class "A" 46 16 Class "B"........ 5 1 Class "C"....i 1 0 Grand:TotiM (All Groups).. 52 WILMINGTON Class "A"......,....;........... 18 Class "B" 2 Class"C".... 0 Grand Total (All Groups) 20 SEATTLE Class "A" 16 Class "B". 3 Class "C" 3 Relief 3 Grand Total (All Groups) 22 HONOLULU Class "A" 12 Class "B" 6 Class "C" 0 Relief 0 Grand Total (All Groups) 18 19 8 " 1 0 9 10 1 1 2 14 2 3 0 1 6 Dispatchers Report for Great Lakes "REGISTERED ON BEACH TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT Pori 43 3 0 58 9 1 4 0 34 Algonac........ ENGINE DEPARTMENT Pori 0 25 4 0 32 4 3 0 21 Algonac •• • STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 6 3 16 2 -0 0 6 1 Algonac ENTRY DEPARTMENT Pori 1 53 31 ODD 21 1 41 Algonac — 2 149 47 84 9 0 1 29 102 Totals Ail Doparimonts "'Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. ^"'Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. MARCH l-n30, 1984 'TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Legal Aid In the event that any SlU membera have legal problems In the varloua ports, a Hat of attorneys whom they can consult Is being published. The member need not choose the recom­ mended attorneys and this list Is In­ tended only for informational pur­ poses; NEW YORK, NEW YORK Schulman & Abarbanel 358 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10001 Tele. # (212) 279-9200 BALTIMORE, MD. Kaplan, Heyman, Greenberg, Engelman & Belgrad Sun Life Building Charles & Redwood Streets Baltimore, Md. 21201 Tele. # (301) 539-6967 CHICAQO. ILL. Katz & Friedman 7 South DeartMm Street Chicago, III. 60603 Tele. # (312) 263-6330 DETROIT, MICH. VidorG. Hanson 18268 Grand ffiver Avenue DetroH, Mich. 48822 Tele. # (313) 532-1220 QLOUCESTER, MASS. Orlando & White 1 Western Avenue Gloucester, Mass. 01930 Tele. # (617) 283-8100 HOUSTON, TE^ Archer, Peterson and WakJner 1801 Main St. (at Jefferson) Suite 510 Houston, Texas 77002 Tele. # (713) 659-4455 & Tele. # (813) 879-9842 LOS ANGELES, CAUF. Fogel, Rothschild, Feldman & Ostrov 5900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2600 Los Angeles, Calif. 90036 Tele. # (213) 937-6250 WILMINGTON, CALIF. Fogel, Rothschild, Feldman & Ostrov 239 South Avalon Wilmington, Calif. 90744 Tele. # (213) 834-2546 MOBILE, ALA. Simon & Wood 1010 Van Antwerp Building Mobile, Ala. 36602 Tele. # (205) 433-4904 NEW ORLEANS, LA. Barker, Boudreaux, Lamy, Gardner & Foley 1400 Richards Building 837 Gravier Street New Orleans, La. 70112 « Tele. # (504) 586-9395 PHILADELPHIA, PA. Kirschner, Walters, Willig, Weinberg & Dempsey Suite 110 1429 Walnut Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19102 Tele. # (215) 569-8900 ST. LOUIS, MO. Gruenberg, Sounders & Levine Suite 905—Chemical Building 721 Olive Street St. Louis, Missouri 63101 Tele. # (314) 231-7440 SAN FRANCISCO, CAUF. John Paul Jennings Henning, Walsh & Ritchie 100 Bush Street, Suite 440 San Francisco, Calif. 94104 Tele. # (415) 981-4400 SEATTLE. WASH. Davies, Roberts, Reid, Anderson & Wacker 100 West Harrison Plaza Seattle, Wash. 98119 Tele. # (206) 285-3610 TAMPA, FLA. Hamilton & Douglas, P. A. 2620 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33609 Tele. # (813) 879-9842 April 1984/LOG/13 • ' �In its monthly series of interviews and PROFILES will highlight toy govemment officials instrumental in shaping national and maritime policy. Senator John Heinz Senator AlanCranston S S ENATOR Al^n Cranston CDCalif.) has always supported America's maritime industry and recognizes its commanding role in the economic and defense posture of this nation. The senator has endorsed and worked for many initiatives in committee and on the Senate floor. He has authored and championed motions to secure and revitalize all aspects of the, Amer­ ican fleet—deep sea, inland waters and Great. Lakes. Through the years, Sen. Cran­ ston has supported ODS and CDS programs to maintain the U.S. fleet's presence and competitive­ ness on the world's oceans. The senator realizes the United States must be energy self-suffi­ cient and strongly advocates the ban on the export of Alaskan North Slope crude oil. His commitment to this export ban was expressed in a letter personally written to President Reagan. In addition, fill­ ing the Strategic Petroleum Re­ serve at a maximum fill rate is another avenue the senator en­ dorses for U.S. oil independence. The lessons of the oil crises of the '70s are all too painful reminders that America must "plan its energy future or face disaster," says Cran­ ston. The "stars and stripes" flying on the masts of American ships sailing into the ports of our allies and Third World countries sym­ bolizes U.S. involvement in world­ wide events. Our P.L.-480 Food For Peace Program, with the back­ ing of senators such as Cranston, reinforces the commitment of the United States to underdeveloped countries. A few months ago in the 98th Congress, Cranston threw down the gauntlet and spearheaded Sen­ ate action against lessening the restrictions in the Export Admin­ istration Act on the ban to export Alaskan oil. With Senator Mark Hatfield (R-Ore.), Cranston coauthored S. 1159, "To Amend the Export Administration Act (EAA) of 1979 to Extend the Provisions Relating to the Export of Domest­ ically Produced Crude Oil." In a "Dear Colleague" letter rallying senatorial support, Cran­ ston explained, "... Ifiese restric­ tions are prudent. They are essen­ tial to our energy security and to the security of our nation. They should be retained. Now is not the time to weaken these restrictions. Our economy and our security have • ENATOR John Heinz (R-Pa.) has an impressive legislative career spanning the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Sen­ ate. Heinz served in the House from 1971 to 1976. On Nov. 4,1976 he was elected to his first term in the United States Senate to rep­ resent the state of Pennsylvania. Sen. Heinzi serves on several powerful Senate committees whose jurisdictions have far-reaching ef­ fects in our maritime industry. Representing the industrial heartland of the country, Heinz recognizes the vital role the Amer­ ican maritime industry plays in stimulating the U.S. economy across the board. He is particularly concerned about the shrinking American shipbuilding base. "It is vital that we redress the sharp decline of our domestic na­ tional defense shipbuilding base. We must not export thousands of industrial jobs when we are expe­ riencing high unemployment rates and undergoing expansion of our fleet." Heinz.noted that "21 Amer­ ican shipyards have gone out of business in the last five years, and that the number of workers en­ gaged in naval construction is ex­ pected to fall by tens of thou­ sands." In 1982, Sen. Heinz introduced S. 2285 which prohibits the con­ struction of U.S. naval vessels in foreign shipyards. At that time the senator said, "My legislation would strengthen our industrial base by allowing the shipbuilding industry to increase efficiency of production and reduce unacceptable cost growth. This legislation is an im­ portant signal to the American shipbuilding industry, its workers and our citizens that we are serious about restoring our defense ship­ building capacity." In this 98th Congress, Sen. Heinz served as Senate Floor Manager for the bill S. 1159, which main­ tains the export ban restrictions on Alaskan oil. Standing in the well of the Senate, Heinz told his col­ leagues, "Every barrel of oil that we export from Alaska to Japan is one more barrel of oil we have to import from someplace else, prob­ ably the Middle East through the Sen. Alan Cranston been shaken by two major oil crises in the last decade. When the inter­ national economy emerges from today's global recession, our abil­ ity to act—as we must—as a na­ tion, unbound by the dictates of petroleum-exporting nations whose interests are not always our own, will be determined by the foresight with which we address the future today. The existing restrictions on oil exports should be retained. They are a sound investment in common sense. They may well be the meas­ ure of our security in years to come." As a result of the discrepancies between the House and Senate versions of the EAA and, accord­ ing to parliamentary procedure, a Conference Conunittee was estab­ lished on which Sen. Cranston will serve as a Senate conferee. This Conference Conunittee will con­ vene before the spring recess to iron out these differences between the two bills. Addressing the Winter Execu­ tive Board Meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, in February 1983, Alan Cranston said, "The American merchant marine is a victim of years of neglect and the stepchild of a defense strategy that is plunging the world toward nuclear holocaust. Building a strong merchant marine will never have the priority it should have so long as our economy is distorted to satisfy the needs of an arms race which could bring instant death to our entire world. But America must confront the question of revitaliz­ ing its merchant marine through a coordinated strategy—bringing to­ gether industry, labor and govern­ ment—that gets at the root of the problem." O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done! The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won. The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting. The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won. O Captain! My Captain! Walt Whitman 14/LOG/April 1984 '"'isk mm Sen. John Heinz Strait of Hormuz, which has never been more threatened politically than it is today by the Iran-Iraq conflict. Every time we allow our trading partners, the Japanese, to have a little more oil, they are going to be able to say, 'We reduced our $20 billion trade deficit with you.' They will be able to argue that they need to sell more cars here, or the alternative is they are going to buy less Pennsylvania coal. But what it will do, regardless of these par­ ochial kinds of interests, quite se­ riously, is it will give the Japanese one more reason not to do anything about their nontariff trade bar­ riers." Sen. Heinz has been critical of the administration's proposal for user fee charges particularly for the port of Philadelphia. Calling the plan "unjustified and oner­ ous," Heinz urged 0MB to "re­ submit a plan worthy of serious consideration." "The ecbnomic repercussions of the administration's user fee plan are frightening. My analysis indi­ cated that a minimum of 40,000 jobs depend on a viable port op­ eration, and those jobs could be severely jeopardized at the port of Philadelphia if such a proposal be­ comes law. Philadelphia port users are already 'paying' for the costs of their operations. In 1981 the ports generated $276 million in cus­ toms receipts—an amount 10 times greater than the federal govern­ ment spent on dredging the channel in the same year." John Heinz has asked 0MB to meet with congressional represen­ tatives from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey, "because the administra­ tion's plan would cause a severe disruption of our regional econ­ omies. Any short-term gain to the U.S. Treasury from user fees would be far outweighed by the long-term economic consequences of unem­ ployment and business failures m the maritime and related indus­ tries." �ttt it tot§liitd0t Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO WASHINGTON REPORT While much of the nation's attention has been captured by the presidential cam­ paign, several less-publicized develop­ ments have occurred that could have farreaching implications for the people of this country. Perhaps the most important of these was the naval exercises staged by the Soviet Union. The exercises, which were conducted throughout the world, tested the Soviet Union's ability to conduct var­ ious surface, air and submarine activities. It was one of the most massive displays of naval power ever assembled. United States officials estimated that at least 100 warships were involved, as well as an undisclosed number of long-range planes. Twenty-nine warships, possibly more, were stationed in the North Atlantic, which many military strategists feel would be the first place that the Soviet Union would strike if it decided to invade Western Europe. In an interview with Ted Koppel, com­ mentator for Nightline, ABC's highly re­ spected nightly news program. Navy Sec­ retary John Lehman noted that this was the first time that the Soviet Union had included the Caribbean Region in its naval exercises. He also noted that the Soviet Union had been building up its naval and maritime power at an unprecedented rate. Robert Inman, former head of the CIA, who also appeared on the program, agreed with Lehman's assessment. "Twenty-five years ago," he said, "there was no Soviet Navy to speak of." He went on to say that the Soviet Union had apparently reached the following conclusion: that all future confrontations short of nuclear war would be decided in favor of whichever power had the ability to keep its sealanes open. * * * Unfortunately, this nation's sealift ca­ pability has been dwindling at a fast rate. This development is in part due to the decline of the American-flag merchant ma­ rine, a decline hastened by the policies of the Reagan administration. Over the past four years, the Reagan administration has eliminated or cut funding for almost every important maritime program. During the course of the Nightline in­ terview, Ted Koppel turned to Lehman and said that these war games had in a sense vindicated the strong stand Lehman had taken on behalf of upgrading this nation's sealift capability. We agree. For 20 years now, we have been warning the people of this country and their elected officials that something must be done about the decline of the American-flag merchant marine. During the past four years we have watched a president, supposedly dedicated to shoring up our national se­ curity, cut funding for every important April 1984 Legislative. Administrative and Regulatory Happenings maritime program. As Lehman has sug­ gested, you cannot build a fortress without a strong foundation. President Reagan's maritime policies may prove to be the quicksand that undermines us all. ALASKAN OIL The SIU has won a major victory in Congress that may save as many as 40 of our vessels. The House and the Senate have passed their respective versions of the Export Administration Act. Both versions seek to extend the ban on the export of Alaskan oil, the House version for four years, the Senate version for six. Getting the legislation passed was a difficult and at times dramatic fight. A number of special interest groups waged an all-out fight to abolish the ban. That would have created short-term profits, but at an unacceptable price. American se­ curity would have been jeopardized, as well as the continued existence of the American-flag merchant marine—and the jobs of many hundreds of American sea­ men. The Export Administration Act has not yet been signed into law. Before that happens, the Senate and the House must hammer out a compromise version of the bill, which will then be sent to the White House. Although the Reagan administra­ tion did not support the extension, most political analysts believe the President will not veto this legislation. MARAD The House Merchant Marine Commit­ tee has approved the administration's fiscal year 1985 budget Tequest for the Maritime Administration. The MarAd Au­ thorizations Bill used to be the single most important piece of maritime legislation to be considered by Congress. Unfortunately the Maritime Authorizations Bill has lost much of its importance as a result of policy changes promoted by the Reagan admin­ istration. Construction Differential Sub­ sidies have been eliminated; Pubhc Health Hospitals have been closed. Funding for Title XI Loan Guarantees and Operating Differential Subsidies remain, but at re­ duced levels. BANKRUPTCY •^1 threaten the job security of every worker in this country. The bill was introduced by House Ju­ diciary Chairman Peter Rodino (D-N.J.). At present. Senate legislation dealing with the reorganization of the bankruptcy laws does not contain labor protection provi­ sions. We urge you to write your senators about this matter. PORT DEVELOPMENT AND INLAND WATERWAY USER CHARGES Several bills are making their way through the Senate and House of Representatives dealing with the development of this na­ tion's ports. The SIU supports the basic concept of these bills. Port facilities need to be modernized and channels deepened. Unfortunately, some senators and repre­ sentatives would put the bite on American deep sea and inland operators to foot the whole bill for modernizing these facilities. We believe that port modernization is a national concern and should be treated as such. FLORIDA GAS PIPELINE In July of last year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved an ap­ plication made by the Florida Gas Trans­ mission Company to convert an existing natural gas pipeline running from Texas to Florida to one capable of transporting light petroleum products. The decision was a bad one. Such a pipeline would pose an unjustifiable threat to the envi­ ronment. Moreover, it would be econom­ ically inefficient, especially since petro­ leum can be better moved by existing barges. The SIU has joined a broad coalition of labor unions, inland maritime companies and environmentalists to oppose this move. We have done a great deal to educate Congress and the American people about this issue. We have appealed the Com­ mission's decision and expect a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals (District of Columbia) later on this summer. The issue is an important one for SIU members employed in the inland industry. Support SPAD '5 The House passed by voice vote a bill, HR 5174, that would clarify existing bank­ ruptcy laws which were left in a state of confusion after a recent Supreme Court ruling (NLRB v. Bildisco) allowing com­ panies to abrogate union contracts once they file for Chapter 11 reorganization. The bill was supported by the AFL-CIO, the SIU and all of organized labor, which viewed the decision with a great deal of alarm. If left unchanged, the decision could April 1984/LOG/15 �Area Vice Presidents' Report Gulf Coast, by VP. Joe Sacco £'! W1 'E are continuing to pursue the Dixie beef on all fronts as our strike against this unionbusting company goes into its sec­ ond year. Depositions are being taken from Dixie company officials in regard to the $21 million law suit we have against the firm in the 165th State District Court in Harris, Texas. Also, in New Orleans we have a case pending before the National Labor Relations Board on various arbitration issues. Of course we are continuing to leaflet and picket at the terminals where Dixie equipment comes in. In the process of servicing the boats, we are discovering that Dixie is not adhering to the existing contract. There are a number of disputes and overtime claims that we intend to pursue with the company to see that the contract is enforced for all workers on the boats. Before I go on to other matters in my column, I just want to say that the fight we are waging for Dixie Boatmen will have an impact on the entire inland industry when we are through. There is full coverage of the recently-held deep sea Crews Con­ ference in this issue of the LOG. But I want to make a few comments on it here. History was being made for the maritime industry at this very constructive Conference. The delegates laid out a positive plan for the future job security of this membership. After this Conference I am very much looking forward to the years ahead. Something else that I'm very enthusiastic about is our grassroots political campaign. In the Gulf we will be deeply involved in all the races and we will be heard. Alsojn the Gulf, we are still in negotiations with Radcliff Materials on a new contract and we are in the process of voting on the proposed agreement with Crescent Towing. I: East Coast, by V.P. Leon Hall \: • JL., - •'fj'... " r-'; : , "i V. ' ACH week until the May ^membership meeting in the port >f New York, we are holding spe­ cial meetings to discuss the rec­ ommendations made at the re­ cently concluded deep sea Crews Conference that took place at the Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship in Piney Point, Md. I attended the Conference along with other SIU officials and 69 elected delegates from around the country. The Conference was ex­ tremely worthwhile and the give and take among the delegates resulted in some very solid recom­ mendations. A full rundown of the Conference appears in this issue of the LOG. I suggest that you read it carefully. The recommendations of the delegates concern your future. In other news from the East Coast, the integrated tug-barge New York (Apex) was crewed recently in Norfolk where her sister ship the Jacksonville has been laid up since March 16. The Jacksonville should be ready to sail by the end of this month. Concerning inland news from Norfolk, the ballots have gone out on the ratification of the contracts at American Towing and Trans­ portation and at Marine Towing and Transportation, and the vote was ratified on April 16. We're still in negotiations with Coastal Towing, Inland Towing, Sheridan Transportation, S.T.C. Little Curtis Co., Niagara Barge and Oswego Barge. In Baltimore, the SlU-contracted cable ship Long Lines (Transo­ ceanic Cable) came into port in late March to have some repair work done at the Maryland Drydock. She will be there until April 24 when she leaves for a 60 to 90-day repair job near the Azores. Up in Gloucester, SIU Field Representative Joe Corrigan reports that Union President Frank Drozak was the featured speaker at a recent meeting of the Maritime Port Council of Greater Boston and New England. President Drozak spoke about the Union's ambitious and hard hitting grassroots political campaign. 16/LOG/April 1984 Great Lakes & Western Rivers, by V.P. Mike Sacco A S chairman of the Crews Con­ ference that was held recently at the Lundeberg School, I want to take this opportunity to con­ gratulate the deep sea members who attended. They did an out­ standing job. For two weeks—10 working days—SIU officials and the 69 del­ egates met in general sessions and various workshops. Adding to the success of the Conference were the delegates' spouses who at­ tended many of the sessions. The delegates were hard working and I felt privileged to be with them. A comprehensive account of what took place at the Conference can be found in this LOG. Please read it carefully. And if you are ashore in May, make it your business to attend the membership meeting in your area to hear more about the Conference. Here in St. Louis I'm happy to report that negotiations on the wage reopener in the National Marine contract were very successful. We've gained a substantial increase for our licensed and unlicensed members. Pending approval by the membership, the increase will go into effect on May 1. Up on the Great Lakes, most of our deep draft vessels have begun fitting out. Five big^Lakes ships got stuck in the ice on the St. Clair River, not far from the Union Hall. The Coast Guard helped the ships move out, including the SlU-contracted 1 ,()00-foot long Presque Isle. Contract negotiations are continuing with our dredging companies on the Lakes. Meanwhile, as the LOG went to press our members were voting on the proposed agreement at Great Lakes Towing Co. I'll have the outcome for you next month. A number of new projects have been picked up by our SIUcontracted inland companies. Dunbar and Sullivan will be doing work in Oswego, N.Y.; Rochester, N.Y.; Conneaut, Ohio, and Fairport, Ohio. The company will also do the Cleveland harbor dredging this spring and a pipeline job in Clague Road, Ohio. Another SlU-contracted company, Zenith Dredge of Duluth was the low bidder on a job in Ontanogan, Mich. -Q West Coast, by V.P. George McCartney A BRAND new ship has come SIU contract, and her first crew was flown from San Francisco to Korea early this month. She's the bulk carrier Au­ rora, owned by Apex Marine. Here on the West Coast the SIU's grassroots political cam­ paign is getting off to a rousing start. As he's doing around the country. Union President Frank Drozak appeared at Port Maritime Council luncheons up and down this coast to talk about the impor­ tance of this grassroots program. In a period of four days—from April 10 through April 13—President Drozak was the featured speaker at Port Maritime Council functions in Seattle, Wash., San Francisco, Calif., Portland Ore. and Wilmington, Calif. I'm very encouraged by this program just as I was by the recentlyheld deep sea Crews Conference. The recommendations made by the delegates are well thought Out and are a realistic and forward looking approach to the situation in the maritime industry. Up in Seattle, SIU Port Agent George Vukmir and Seafarers from the area are helping to register voters, especially young people. Also in Seattle our Seafarers were out in force in early April at a "Dump Reagan" rally at Seattle Community College. The Seafarers carried signs asking what President Reagan has done for the shipyards and questioning why he doesn't have a maritime policy. I m sorry to report that up in the Portland, Ore. area we have a number of ships in layup including two APL vessels that have not sailed for two years, and a Delta ship, the Santa Adela, that has been laid up since June of 1983. There are also several tankers in layup there but some of them may be ere wing up shortly. Iunder �^ •V. - . J.., : >ns, meetings, and greements, at the SlU's 1984 r P'°yment "A" P'oyment limit for "A" and V'O-day a nn.Ho„ Umit i.- .. . books. Both could ™mediatelyre-reg.atJ;:"d' «'Crl O Fv#an.:^« __ Contract Extension hers voted fo rollover a sched- SS 'Sfd To tmprove health care for Sm ^"''families, system^ ystem of contracted hos­a pitals and health services Tpl-' In 1983, just the Welfare Plan )fT' i' ciZ^mnf" ^^>"hPP s-rri—s -"ore time to determinTfo: fo i^^^4rwj;;^d-i Leo Rrxn ' • ^daiinistrator processed 376 claim? cimms ranged from simple dlt tors visits to serious surgery 'o maimainZttfirartr ~ levels wouldt'n'et^ iodatririT/'.r"'' 'he recommentofotroTlh"® conference, includmrno rL^t' sssr"2r'°''i""' •-•A W SS """" 31 Smr i-ecommended feirsTove-ri ® Pf Seafarers dis /ooKon. 'o°^ on. " a 180-day continuous em- J^CFARE AND PENSION sure Seafarers Charged for ,heir?:re"°' We don t mind payine S i so One of the major areas nf whole botfle thJ! u known as select cart o" sion and Vacation Piatt fo a" the^ Md job security. Here are ""St 'ifo " BPP^P"^ s?'d "" ganizations. r/vi ^®^<^aimendations Health insurance cost AmVr ^oi- a comp/efo &, o/recom-' •"To maintain and expand enSitesSttd lean business more than 77 bit" endations see pages 19-24 ) nnn-ent Union ser^S hon in 1983, CarolyrCemifo •"Extend the A & G, PMA Wans counsel explained flat $75 per quarter, and 5 andGLAMOcontractst^ ated ns must be negotipercent gross vacation pay one year, with increased 76 percent in the last five as working dues. oontnbutions to Plans to Last year, with the Plans' 'tecommendations in. mainton current level of she ^idt^®"®'°'•"'®"Pment,•• . ded shipboard safety shin liviVi increases.. '"^'"*08 cost of health care, pfe a^ Service Hospitals^^J^ living ®"?^"?<^P'"hattherewas (Continued on next Dane.) snte'onru^-'ll"" TS2f.„~s,a- SS-s With 'uoTyron'^f^ ^vrifoUOdaysona-ntli *^Maintain levels of Welfare Vacation and Pension ben­ efits. is is evrifs • • ritime industry slum?"®"?"® Pf'he worst not? to history, "the SIU is not doing too bad " snr D ''??"«'P.'20dayswprked ^°;?.8''"h'yfpr health and vacation benefits. *^Increased pension credit to r'days credit for each day worked after member has cnsis because I believe ®,'t reached 3000 workingdays going to turn around," he said. April 1984/LOG/17 ry- �Crews Conference f Siv.. (Continued from Page 17.) no way medical costs were going faster rate, the delegates de­ to slow down. One of the ways cided to recommend that an ad­ the SIU has been able to keep ditional pension credit be granted some costs down is by being to all seamen who have more "self-insured," in other words than 3,000 days. After a seaman administering its own insurance has reached 3,000 days, he would plans as opposed to hiring an earn 1days pension credit for outside insurance company. That every day worked after 3,000, ''self-insurance'' has been a ma­ instead of the current one day jor trend in the past 10 years. credit. But it would only apply In 1973 only 5 percent of unions to days worked after June 16, and businesses did that. Today, 1984. she said, more than 50 percent of employees are covered by PERMANENT JOBS "self-insurance" plans through their unions or companies. Permanent jobs are essential Another area where medical to provide skilled seafarers to costs can be reduced is through our companies who will be fa­ contracting with various hospi­ miliar with the vessels on which tals for a full range of care at they serve. negotiated fees. It's also known Permanent jobs are restricted as a Preferred Provider System. to these key ratings: recertified The Crews Conference recom­ bosun or steward, chief electri­ mended that such a system be cian, pumpman and reefer en­ set up. gineer. Such a system, the confer­ No relief would be allowed ence delegates said, would during the 120 days that the streamline the claims process permanent seaman is aboard the by using direct billing, solve ship. many eligibility questions, pro­ Electricians, reefer engineers vide better service and would and pumpmen must attend the allow for increased benefits as specialty course for this specific the Plans' costs are reduced. rating conducted at the SHLSS or submit verification of em­ ployment in their specific rating to the vocational director of the SHLSS for consideration. This certification requirement must be obtained before June 16,1986 in order to remain qualified for a permanent position. DUES Ronald Swanson—Seattle I •jj;. The delegates also addressed two other major health and wel­ fare issuer, welfare eligibility and pension credit. Bonser said that despite the best efforts, some claims are turned down because the people are not eligible. "Those are not just 'denials.' Those are human beings and I wish the conference would ad­ dress that issue," he said. Conference delegates voted to reduce eligibility require­ ments from 125 days seatime to 120 days. In an effort to improve pen­ sion benefits and allow career seamen to earn that jcredit at a 18/LOG/April 1984 , "The Union has no sugardaddy. It must go to its mem­ bership," SIU Secretary Treas­ urer Joe DiGiorgio told the del­ egates. Despite the large number of layups and job losses last year and ever-spiraling inflation, the SIU did not have to cut back operations in 1983. But the Union cannot continue on its course unless preventive measures are taken soon. "Other maritime unions are dead in the water. We are not. But any kind of cutback would be a step backwards," Di­ Giorgio continued. "The Union cannot operate on the current dues structure. It's a serious problem that must be dealt with," he stressed. The delegates recommended that the current standard dues be raised to $300 a year and that working dues be set at five (5) percent of gross vacation pay. Union Democracy at Work: Crews Conference Reflects Views & Hopes of Membership The contract and Constitutional recommendations that ended the two-week SIU Crews Conference were just one step of a long process set up to allow the Union's membership to exercise their full rights to determine their Union's future course. It started last December when every SIU member was mailed a questionnaire. Those questionnaires were mailed to their homes, made available in SIU halls in all ports, and brought aboard all ships. That was the membership's first chance to go on record. Questions ranging from benefits to wages to rights to jobs were asked. When those questionnaires were returned to SIU head­ quarters, the responses and suggestions were studied carefully to give Union officials a better idea of what the membership wanted in the upcoming contract negotiations and in other areas. • • • Each port then elected delegates representing the deck, engine and steward departments. The 69 elected delegates were divided into four "work­ shops" at the conference where they elected a chairman and a secretary from among their group. All the delegates met for several hours each morning to listen to presentations and ask questions about specific areas such as the SIU Plans, permanent jobs, dues, training at SHLSS, and more. In the afternoon the workshops met for several hours to discuss and determine what type of action was needed to address the questions. It was during those meetings of the delegates where the recommendations were shaped and approved. At the end of the day, each workshop presented its recommendations to the entire delegation. On the last day of the Crews Conference, the entire delegation voted on the finaf resolutions. • • • After the conference, copies of the resolutions and video tapes of the conference were made available to every port and onboard ships. The tapes will be shown at all ports every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. so that every member will have a chance to study the recommendations. Finally, SIU officers will sit down to negotiate with the shipping companies and attempt to arrive at an agreement which includes the membership's recommendations. Virgllio Reyes (left), San Francisco, and Wilbert Williams, St. Louis, take notes during an aftemoon discussion. �SIU Crews Conference Resolutions WELFARE, VACATION AND PENSION In future contract negotiations the Negotiating Committee assure that there shall be no reduction in the present level of welfare, vacation and pension benefits. The Crews Conference wants to make it clear that one of its overriding concerns is that the level of health, pension and vacation benefits that are currently enjoyed be maintained without reductions when any new contract is negotiated. Our members depend on and have based their plans on these levels of benefits and they should not be reduced even if this means that additional contributions must be negotiated. PENSION CREDIT Provide pension credit of IVi days credit for each day worked after the member has attained 3,000 days worked. The conference members felt strongly that credits for pension must be given at a faster rate to the career seaman so that he could retire with a better pension. The proposal was made and adopted to give a seaman who reaches 3,000 days worked under the SIU contract credit for all days worked above that level at the rate of VA credits for each day worked. This credit of an additional VA day would apply to all days worked by each seaman after June 16, 1984 above 3,000 days. With this additional credit, which will serve only to increase the number of credited pension days earned, the retiree could become entitled to a higher pension than he would otherwise have. and move forward in our drive to successfully bid on new work, such as military employment, additional dues revenue is vital. • The current dues system, based on the cost of living increases at each company has become an administrative problem due to the wide diversity of increases given to each company. It has become an administrative problem to control. • Working dues have not been increased in eight years; while the vacation rate has increased 40 percent. For all these reasons, the delegates felt a dues increase was vital to give the Union the operating fimds it needs to maintain an efficient operation. Our dues support the strong leadership that has helped the SIU to weather the tough times and keep moving ahead. We cannot afford to cut back in this area. The system that would be adopted involves: • $75 a quarter regular dues, which would be effective when the Constitution is changed. This would be a flat rate established in the Constitution. • Working dues would be 5 percent of the gross vacation check. Each member would thus pay working dues proportionate to the member's vacation rate. DUES The current dues and working dues need to be increased to provide the Union the revenue to continue our growth pattern and maintain our current port structure and have the staff to fully carry out all the Union's responsibilities to the membership. The Committee proposes the following two (2) changes: • The current system of dues that vary by contract be amended in favor of a flat rate of dues of $75 per quarter. • That the present working dues system be amended to a fiat rate of 5 percent of each member's gross vacation check. Your elected delegates heard a detailed report from the Secretary/ Treasurer on the state of the Union's finances. • The number of active SIU ships has dropped, and over 40 are in lay-up. Many SIU ships that are presently operating have reduced crews as a result of U.S. Coast Guard manning regulations. Workshop Chairman Otto Pederson, New Orleans, and SIU Secretary/ Treasurer Joe DIGIorgio, listen to a question at a workshop discussion. HEALTH AND VACATION ELIGIBILITY That eligibility for health and vacation benefits be reduced to 120 days worked. The Crews Conference Delegates felt that there were several reasons to reduce the eligibility period from the present 125 days to 120 days. 1. This would allow more members to qualify for health and vacation coverage in difficult shipping periods. 2. This change in the rules will allow seamen with "B" seniority who will be shipping 120 days at a time under the shipping rules to gain eligibility for vacation and medical benefits. HEALTHCARE Ben and Lydia Laureano—Puerto Rico • As a result, revenue to the Union has been dropping at a time when the Union has had to maintain the port structure and servicing requirements of a membership which stretches beyond the borders of the U.S. • Regular and working dues pay for salaries and for the operating costs of the Union. • If we are to the Union staff needed to continue to grow That a system of contracted hospitals be established in SIU ports to provide improved care to seamen, pensioners and their dependents. The Crews Conference Delegates recommend that the Welfare De­ partment designate a key hospital in SIU ports with hiring halls that would be used by seamen, retirees and their dependents. This system could have the following advantges for the membership: • It would assure that any hospitals we used in the ports would be familiar with the SIU plans and could deal with the Welfare Plan directly on billings. • It would have available SIU eligibility information, so eligibility questions could be eliminated. • It would provide a full range of services to seamen, pensioners and their dependents on a coordinated basis. (Continued on next page.) April 1984/LOG/19 �;r":. SIU Crews Conference Resolutions f•?:.' (Continued from Page 19.) • It would allow the Plans to negotiate rates for services that could reduce the Plans' costs. It is anticipated that this will in turn allow the Plans to offer expanded benefits such as dependent outpatient, dental and optical care when these contracted hospitals are used. Thus, employees and their dependents would benefit by going to these facilities because of the better level of care that would be covered. • It would allow seamen to know in advance where to go to obtain medical treament. This proposal cannot be offered in all areas because it requires a concentrated group of users to obtain the reduced charges for services that permit more coverage for seamen and their dependents. V. p. GOVERNMENT SERVICES That a Vice President of the Government Services Division be added as an Elected Officer under the Constitution. In 1983, the Military Sea Transport Union merged into the Atlantic and Gulf District of the SIU. The 1,500 members and 31 ships they man of the former MSTU are now part of the SIU. In the future, military shipping will grow as more Navy-contracted vessels are put under commercial manning with Union crews. Currently over 50 Navy support vessels are available for manning by civilian Union crews. The establishment of a Government Services Vice President for the A & G District will provide the Union with an official experienced in negotiations with officials from the Department of the Navy and other federal agencies. We will also work to ensure that former MSTU members, now a part of the A & G District, are fully protected when their Navy-operated vessels become commercially operated. MONTHLY MEETING The Monthly Membership Meeting should be changed to 10:30 a.m. in each port. The Crews Conference Delegates proposed that the monthly meeting of the membership be changed to 10:30 a.m., a more convenient time for the meeting. It was felt that at this time of the day more members would be able to attend this meeting. Job calls would be held upon completion of the meeting. UPDATE CONSTITUTION That all changes in the Constitution be made to bring it up-to-date without changing its intent. One change that should be considered is amending any provision in the Constitution that is covered appropriately in the shipping rules. The Delegates reviewed the Constitution and found several areas where the Constitution needs to be updated. For example, there is a reference in the Constitution to the PHS hospitals, which no longer exist. CONSTITUTIONAL PORT AT PINEY POINT That the Office of Secretary/Treasurer be designated "Secretary." The Delegates to the Crews Conference learned that the growing complexity of Union finances and business is leading many unions to designate their Secretary/Treasurer as "Secretary." This change in title means that while the Secretary will still be responsible for the Union's monies, the day-to-day financial activities are left in the hands of a Controller employed by the Union who will be a Certified Public Accountant. The Controller will be able to give full-time and undivided attention to the Union's financial matters under the supervision of the Secretary of the SIU. The Delegates felt this change will ensure the continued excellent handling of our Union finances which has always been the case. A Constitutional Port should be established at Piney Point, Md. The Delegates voted to support a Constitutional Amendment to make Piney Point a Constitutional Port. This recommendation was adopted for the following reasons: 1. Most SIU members, either in training or upgrading, or even in conferences such as this, spend a good deal of time at the SHLSS. By making this port a Constitutional Port, it would assure that a port that nearly every SIU member visits at one or more times in his career is a Constitutional Port. 2. Members while attending the SHLSS are not able to participate in the activities of their Union. In order to assure that the members who are in the SHLSS in order to improve their employment skills are not deprived of an opportunity to be involved in their Union, Piney Point should be a Constitution^ Port. 3. Headquarters, having moved to Camp Springs, Md., would use Piney Point as its port and for meetings. This would save a good deal of time for the headquarters staff, as they would have to travel less. 4. At any given time, SIU seamen representing the East Coast, Gulf Coast, West Coast, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and Puerto Rico will all be in attendance at Piney Point. SIU officials who took part in the Crews Conference included (I. to r.) vice presidents Joe Sacco, George McCartney. Red Campbell, Leon Hall, Secretary/Treasurer Joe DiGiorgio, vice presidents Mike Sacco and Buck Mercer and Executive Vice President Ed Turner. SECRETARY-TREASURER 20/LOG/April 1984 5EE--.I _ �Crews Conference FINES Tony Paliho Workshop Chairman Marianne Rogers SIU Political Director Increase fines under the Constitution for crossing picket lines sanctioned by the Union and for failing to perform strike duties to $100 per offense. With the increasingly anti-labor attitude in the nation, it may become necessary to strike to win new contracts. We have found that the fines for crossing a Union-sanctioned picket line and for failure to perform strike duties have not been changed for years and are no longer realistic. Therefore, your Delegates decided to propose that the fines be increased for both of these offenses under the SIU Constitution to $100 per offense. SHLSS That the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship be used by all SIU members who desire to train and upgrade to meet the needs of a modern U.S. fleet and that the school continue to provide training to reflect the needs of the industry. After a presentation on the entry and upgrading courses at SHLSS, your Delegates voted unanimously to express our appreciation for the fine job the school does to prepare our members for work at sea. It was noted that with new Navy contracts requiring crane operators; underway replenishment and helicopter landing skills; and many other new skills, the school will be more important than ever to our future. The school is also essential to maintaining a flow of young trainees to fill entry level jobs on our Hawaii passenger ships and other related work. Without a large pool of manpower, we cannot convince the Navy to accept our companies' bids for new Navy vessels with crews of 60 to 100 each. . The Delegates felt that the school is continuing to properly adjust classes to the demand for skilled seaman in our industry. Fred Olsen Workshop Chairman GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN All SIU members and retirees and their families should become involved in our Grassroots Political Education Campaign. The Grassroots Political Education Campaign, to begin with meetings in every SIU hall on April 14 will be our means of demonstrating to presidential and congressional candidates running for office that the needs and concerns of the nation's maritime workers must be met. Wherever these candidates go in the 1984 campaign, we will be there with signs and leaflets urging their support of a strong maritime program to rebuild our industry and create more jobs. We need the help of all SIU members, retirees and their families to convince these candidates to promise and deliver on their maritime commitments. If we show that we can help to elect or defeat candidates for office, then our program will be listened to and enacted in the months to come. Joe Donovan Workshop Chairman SPAD David Eby Baltimore That all SIU members contribute to and support the work of SPAD— The Seafarers Political Action Donation. The delegates heard from our Washington staff that SPAD remains the most vital tool we have to win and maintain the support of those in Congress who we depend on for our survival as an industry. The setbacks suffered by other unions that have neglected the importance of Washington activities is evidence of the value of SPAD. In addition, in the past several years, SPAD has helped to win legislation to set up the passenger ship operations in Hawaii; keep Alaskan oil in the U.S.; and prevent further erosion of government cargo preference laws. In the coming months, we will be working in Congress to complete action on the Cunard legislation, as well as bills that will safeguard the jobs of hundreds of our .members in other SIU companies. SPAD contributions will ensure that our Union and its membership will have a strong voice in the Congress. Otto Pederson Workshop Chairman I 'n -( J SAFETY PROGRAM Frank Pecquex SIU Legislative Director That the SIU Safety Program should be strongly supported by the entire membership. The delegates heard a report on the SIU safety program designed to reduce injuries and accidents aboard ship. The delegates felt this program was essential to maintaining the safe operation of SIU contracted vessels. (Continued on Page 22.) Robert Frazier Gloucester April 1984/LOG/21 �m •, >• •' >t.- •- . • Crews Conferencie - li ,/ •. (Continued from Page 21.) DRUG ABUSE That SIU Legal Counsel recommend steps that can be taken to reduce the incidence of drugs aboard ship. ... The Crews Conference Delegates felt that the use of drugs by ships, crews is a threat to the safety and health of all ships crews. The conference went on record as opposing the use of drugs onboard ship and urged that the SIU Legal Counsel review steps that can be taken to end the use of drugs aboard ship. In line with this, the conference strongly supported President Drozak s proposal to set up a drug rehabilitation and treatment program. HEART ATTACK CARE I- That portable heart trackers and accompanying heart stimulant drug kits be placed on aU SIU vessels as a means of monitoring cases of possible heart attacks and sending the data by transmitting device to a hospital 4, The conference saw a demonstration of a lightweight, hand-held cardiac tracker that can act as a portable EKG and can transmit its findings to a hospital. It can be accompanied by drugs that restore the heart's normal pattern. ^ This device can save many lives onboard ship and would provide shoreside medical personnel with an accurate picture of the condition of a seaman who is struck by a heart attack at sea. SAFETY Several safety suggestions were proposed including: • Allow all members of the crew to attend shipboard safety meetings. • Publish more LOG articles on handling safety and repair problems. • The Union should research and discuss with all members how to handle the dangers of stress, high blood pressure and heart disease. • That other members of the crew besides the QMED be taught to start the lifeboat engines. These and other safety suggestions reflect the members concerns on this issue. SHIP'S COMMITTEE I/, The Ship's Committee should be elected by a vote of the crew. The delegates were concerned that the Ship's Committee that is named by the contract would better serve the crew if elected by the crew. . 11 1 *u To ensure that seamen who serve on the committee really seek the positions they hold, the conference delegates voted to elect the Ship's Committee. "I^i 'We are not bemoaning, like so many others, the sad state of our industry. We are making plans for the future."—Frank Drozak The same persons who now head the committee could hold these positions, except they would be elected rather than named in the contract. ,, ... All other aspects of the Ship's Committee would remain the same. CQHTRACT EXTENSION Extend the existing A & G, PMA and Glamo Contracts for one year and negotiate increases in contributions to maintain health, pension and vacation benefits at current levels. This will also stablize our indasD:^ contracts. On June 16, 1985, negotiate new three-year contracts with SlU-contracted companies that preserves our present wage and benefit levels, provide job security for our members and improve economic benefits for the future. Due to the current conditions in the maritime industry, your confer­ ence delegates felt that a one-year extension on the contract will give our contracted operators more time to determine the future course of our industry. In this period, wages would remain stable and any funds necessary to maintain oiir benefits at their present levels would be negotiated. A new contract would be negotiated in 1985, incorporating the recommendations of this conference, including no reduction in pay or benefits for SIU members. This contract would include improved wage benefits for the future, subject to the conditions of the industry. PERMANENT JOBS jig;, ©L " •85- 'C '4 •T ^ 4^ SHLSS Vice President Frank MongelU 22/LOG/April 1984 Permanent Jobs aboard all SIU vessels should be: Boatswain-recertified; Steward-recertified; Chief Electrician, Pumpman or Reefer Engineercertified. Each of these ratings should work 120 days on and 60 days off. Your committee held an extensive discussion of the Permanent Jobs issue. Permanent Jobs are essential to provide skilled manpower to our companies that will be familiar with the vessels on which they serve. Permanent Jobs are restricted to the above-listed ratings or combi­ nations of those ratings. No relief would be allowed during the 120 days that the permanent seaman is aboard the ship. Electricians, Reefer Engineers and Pumpmen must attend the spe­ cialty course for this specific rating, conducted at the SHLSS or submit verification of employment in their specific rating to the Vocational Director of the SHLSS for consideration. This certification requirement must be obtained before June 16, 1986 in order to remain qualified for a permanent position. �'r- I.. . J„ - •^•X»gfeSfr.^ 'r--^-. • SlU Crews Conference Resolutions JOB CALLS A schedule of daily Job Calls of 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. were adopted for Monday through Friday. The halls would be open on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with a 10:00 a.m. job call each Saturday. These changes were adopted to make Job Calls more frequent. The membership will be able to have more access to available job oppor­ tunities. The use of a Saturday Job Call will ensure that a late arriving ship will have the availability of a regular Job Call to prevent ships from sailing short over the weekend. MILITARY CONTRACTS A set of standard procedures for SIU seamen should be adopted that the SIU can more effectively compete for military work. The Crews Conference heard considerable discussion of the demands the military places upon a Union in its contracts. These include: Stiff pre-employment physicals Cross training of all department personnel in military-related shipboard activities Overall training in military skills, such as helicopter operations Screening of all hires; some vessels may require extensive security clearances The entire crew is required to be permanently assigned to the vessel Longer "at sea" requirements Uniforms may be required The crews would often work with a Naval contingent and/or specially trained technicians To meet these specialized needs, its was decided to adopt a set of procedures for military contracts that will apply to these vessels. Any SIU member working on these vessels would have to observe these procedures. The membership further recommended that the Union's Negotiating Committee assist the contracted companies in the bidding process involved in all requests for proposals (RFP) from the Department of the Navy, the MSC and/or any other federal agency. C. The 180-day employment time will be reduced by any relief time taken. D. Anyone who has not taken a relief job will have priority over someone that has a relief job on his card. E. After six months aboard ship, class "A" men will be paid transportation back to the port of engagement unless the vessel is scheduled to return to the area of his port of engagement within 10 days after arrival. F. If a seaman goes on M & C or S & A it negates the seaman's right to return to his vessel. 2) Shipboard employment will be limited to a period of 120 days continuous time for class "B" men except when the ship's articles require a longer trip. If the vessel is scheduled to return to the area of his original engagement, within 10 days after arrival, he may remain aboard until such time. Transportation back to the port of engagement after completion of the 120 days is to be negotiated. 3) Seamen with both "A" and "B" seniority after the required time, must leave the vessel, subject to the ship's articles. Both "A" or "B" men would qualify for medical and vacation benefits under the new 120-day rule. Transportation would be sought for the class "B" men after com­ pleting the 120 days. Once leaving the vessel after the trip, both could immediately reregister and ship. The Crews Conference felt strongly that such a system must be set up to assure a more equitable distribution of available employment. The Delegates felt that the recommended changes would be a major improvement over the present shipping situation. GRADUATED PAY That the SIU investigate establishing a graduated pay system for new eihployees in the industry. The Conference Delegates felt a study should be undertaken to review establishing a graduated wage scale for those entering our industry in the future. Such a study could develop a system that would reduce costs for our operators, with benefits to their competitiveness, while at the same time ensuring that current SIU members would not be affected. SHIPPING RULES STEWARDS GUIDE The shipping rules governing the former members of the MC & S who merged into the SIU in 1978 should be amended to conform to the A & G Rules. All SIU seamen should be covered by the standard shipping rules of the A & G District. Former MC & S members would be given the same seniority under the A & G shipping rules as they presently have under the rules governing PMA operations and SIU, A & G members could compete for employment aboard PMA vessels with A & G seniority. This change was adopted by the Delegates to standardize SIU shipping rules for all deep sea members. The operation of two sets of deep sea shipping rules is no longer needed. The two systems can be merged with no loss of shipping rights and jdb opportunities for any seaman. All seamen would henceforth be covered by the shipping rules that are a part of the standard SIU Freightship and Tanker Agreements. Several provisions in the Steward Guide should be revised. A special subcommittee of two stewards from each workshop met to review the Steward Department Work Rules and Guide. They adopted several proposals that reflect the reduced manning on modem U.S. ships. The responsibility and authority of the steward was clarified. The Subcommittee felt these changes would improve the harmonious operation of the Steward Department: We, Steward Department Delegates recommend that the following changes be made in the Standard Tanker and Standard Freightship/ Passenger Agreements. Article V, Section 5(a) 1 be amended to read as follows: 1. The Chief Steward, Steward/Cook or Steward/Baker shall assign the duties of each and every member in the Steward Department and shall work with and assist the Chief Cook in the preparation and serving of all meals and maintenance and cleanliness of the galley. All Steward Department personnel, excluding the Chief Steward, Steward/Cook or Steward/Baker shall work.between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. When the Steward/Baker is carried, his spread of hours shall be eight (8) hours between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. 2. -The Chief Cook's spread of hours shall be from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The remainder of Article V, Section 5(a) shall continue in full force and effect. It is further recommended that the SIU Steward Department working rules be amended by adding the following to paragraph one: When any of the following rates are carried, their duties shall be as specified below. MAJOR PORTS Delete references to "mtyor ports'* fk>om the shipping rules as contained ^ Your Commitee felt that the changes in shipping patterns in the SIU are such that the naming of certain ports as "major ports" under the shipping rules should not be continued. All ports should be treated the same for shipping purposes. Jobs referred to a port are to be made available to the class "A" and class "B" men in that port. If qualified seamen are not available, the rated jobs are then referred to the nearest port. In addition, headquarters should continue to work on developing a system of regional shipping and manpower centers, subject to the membership's approval. JOB ROTATION The following recommendation was adopted on job rotation. 1) All shipboard employment, excluding permanent ratings, shall be limited to 180 days continuous service for all class "A" men subject to the ship's articles. A. Any time within this 180 days, non-permanent, class "A" men ran request a trip off, providing a relief is available. No transportation will be paid to either the "A" man getting off or to the relief man shipped. B. Relief trip men will not lose their registration cards if they have not already expired. COMMUNICATION That the SIU develop ways to improve communication with the membership, particularly those "at sea." The conference recommended that the Union review ways to improve communications between the Union and the membership at sea. One of the ways suggested was that the President's videotaped monthly membership meeting report be brought to pay-offs and ships in transit so the members will be knowledgeable on all Union matters. (Continued on next page) April 1984/LOG/23 X. �)• . - KS" a,,-..., Crews Conference (Continued from Page 23.) THE LOG That all SIU members support and contribute stories, pictures and other materials to our Union newspaper, the LOG, so that it will continue to be a first rate source of news to our worldwide membership. The Crews Conference Delegates felt that the SIU LOG does a great job of keeping SIU seamen informed of the many activities and accomplishments of our Union. We believe all of our seamen should support the LOG and its staff for the fine work they do. i f e MARITIME DEFENSE LEAGUE That all SIU seamen support the Maritime Defense League (MDL) which is our Union's first line of defense against legal challenges to our union and its operations. The Delegates stressed the continued importance for all SIU seamen to contribute to MDL. These contributions are used for the legal defense of the SIU as we face a hostile administration that is seeking to intimidate and coerce unions through investigation after investigation. The MDL provides the ammunition to fight these legal attacks on your Union. SIU Constitution Amendments All recommendations for changes to the SIU Constitution must be handled under the procedure outlined in the SIU Constitution, Including consideration at membership meetings, esUibiishment of a Constitutional Committee, and a ballot vote on the proposal. Only after this procedure is followed can constitutional changes be put into effect. SIU Wives Take Active Part In Charting Union's Future There was something differ­ ent about this year's Crews Conference. Twenty of the del­ egates brought along their wives for the two-week conference on contract and Constitutional changes. "Along with the fact that you don't want to separate a couple for two weeks when they don't get a chance to see each other ( - !• { y<. •• In many cases a Seafarer's wife is the one who has to deal with submitting claims to the various Plans, keeping up on what's happening ashore to fill in her husband when he returns, and she is also directly affected by whatever changes or im­ provements the SIU may make in its contract. Also the upcoming grass- Conference delegates learn first-hand how the new computerized record scanning system is streamlining the processing of welfare and death benefit claims. Here they watch Armand Polizzi check a member's record to verify a benefit application. Conference delegates got an opportunity to meet and talk with AFLCIO President Lane Kirkland and MID Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ingrao (both center) during a visit to AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington. very much, we decided the wives should come along if they wanted to because they play a special role in the seafaring commu­ nity," SIU President Frank Drozak said. roots campaign (see story page 1) will heavily depend on the involvement of wives and other relatives to take the SIU's mes­ sage about the need for a mer­ chant fleet to the people. During the two weeks, the women attended the morning sessions where the day's topic was discussed. In the afternoon when their husbands were in the workshops, the women had a variety of activities available. They had the chance to visit Washington, D.C. twice. Once they toured the Capitol and had a chance to see Congress in action. 1^- T During their visit to Washington, delegates and their wives had a chance to visit Capitol Hill. Rep. Joseph Gaydos (D-Pa.), a member of the House Labor Subcommittee, explains some of the inner workings of Congress. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Joe DiGiorgio (center) explains the workings of the records, accounting and SIU Plans departments to Crews Conference delegates who spent a day at their headquarters in Camp Springs. 24/LOG/April 1984 V 'i^ �• - • • •.<?;• Seafarers HARRY LaNDEBERG SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP \ ''""®y ^ Maryland •if • SS Independence & Constitution Crewmembers Upgrade their Skills at SHLSS Sixteen members of the SS Independence and Constitution Crew have come to SHLSS to upgrade their rating, skills and seniority. The crewmembers are trained in their respective areas through classroom and on-the-job training. Crosstraining in other ratings is a part of their program as well as courses in firefighting, lifeboat, first aid and C.P.R. The six week program aids them in polishing their skills , and insures that their passengers will receive the best service offered by any cruise liner, anywhere in the world. This group was the first to come through our school in 1984. ' 'Their performance was ex­ cellent," said Don Nolan, SHLSS Culinary Director. "We- have scheduled several more groups to enter the program and hope they perform as well." •"v'T "I 'jf' ^ : ss;i, 'h 'Service with a smiie' is the motto of the crewmembers April 1984/LOG/25 �"J •: '•• The New Nautical Science Certificate is a Success!! ' ^' ': 'VP" ! '. 1'/ (I. to r.) Charles Boles and Paul Grepo, were the first two graduates from the Nautical Science Certificate Program. Congratulating them are SHLSS Vice President, Frank Mongelli and Director of Curriculum, Faculty/Student Services, Tracy Aumann. Under a contract between the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and Charles County Community College, Lundeberg students now have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Nautical Science. This certificate combines accredited college courses with vocational training and experience. The Nautical Science Program was created at For more Information on the Nautical Science Certificate Program, please complete this form and mail it to the College Programs Office, Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Maryland 20674. NAUTICAL SCIENCE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM NAME urn- (FIRST) (MIDDLE) ADDRESS. (MO. / DAY / YEAR) (STREET) (CITY) DEEP SEA MEMBER • DATE OF BIRTH INLAND WATERS MEMBER • BOOKNUMBER. TELEPHONE. (ZIP CODE) (STATE) (AREA CODE) LAKES MEMBER • SENIORITY. PACIFIC MEMBER • .SOCIAL SECURITY# DATES AVAILABLE FOR COURSES HOW LONG COULD YOU ATTEND COURSES ENDORSEMENT(S)OR LICENSE(S) NOW HELD. HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY SHLSS UPGRADING COURSES? • YES • NO(IFVES.FILLINBELOW) COURSE(S) TAKEN 1. I'l: •i • f. V; fi . ' PLEASE INDICATE WHICH FOUR OF THE EIGHT GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES YOU PREFER (ONLY ONE MATH AND ONE GEOGRAPHY COURSE MAY BE SELECTED): -PSY 107 APPLIED INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY —MTH 108 INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE MATH -BAD 122 PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT —MTH 110 COLLEGE MATHEMATICS -BAD 172 GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND LABOR -GRY 105 EARTH, SEA AND MAN -PAT 150 POLLUTION CONTROL IN THE MARINE INDUSTRIES —GRY 106 UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY the request of the SIU and goes along with the SIU's belief that education is the key to growth and strength as individuals and as a union. The courses for the Nautical Science Certificate are all taught on the SHLSS campus. The only cost to the student is the price of the text books and a $5.00' certificate fee. The program can be completed in eleven weeks with many of the students finishing in six weeks. Several of the vocational courses and many academic courses offered at SHLSS are approved for college credit by Charles County Community College and can be applied toward the Nautical Science Certificate. The courses for the program were chosen to meet the needs and interests of seafarers. In order to complete the requirements for the Certificate, a student must first possess a strong maritime vocational background. An eligible student selects and completes four of the eight accredited college courses listed on the form to the left (only one Math and one Geography course maybe selected). These courses can be applied as well toward an Associate in Arts Degree from Charles County Community College. For more information contact the College Programs Officd, Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Maryland 20674. SIGNATURE i DATE SHLSS COURSE GRADUATES 'rt Developmental Studies Program Front row (I. to r.) David Itrich and Larry Lewis. Back row: Prentiss Smith, Ralph Gosnell, Donna Curtis (Instructor), Mary Coyle (Instructor), and Ken Eckel. Pumproom Maintenance and Operation Class Front row (I. to r.) Kenneth Browning, and Thomas Maga. Back row: Calvin Williams (Instructor) Ray Brownlee, Francis Monteiro, and Richard Robertson. Quartermaster Class (I. to r.) J.J. Cooper, James Kash, Pete Woodward, and Abe Easter (Instructor). Diesel Scholarship Class (I. to r.) Doc Richards, Eric Malzkuhn (Instructor) Joshua Lanier, and Jim O'Meara. (Not shown) JImmIe Rosser, and Russell Cognevlch. Towboat Operators Scholarship Program Mark Avara, Kenneth Bayle, Patrick Gross, Richard CrowleyjCharles Holmes, Charles O'Brien, Warren O'Neill, James Ranna, Gary Smith, Michael Waldrop, and Norman Guild. I-;: •: Marine Electrical Maintenance Class Front row (I. to r.) Rene Rosarlo, Danny Jotinson, Mike Langford, Victor De Groot, Joseph Pazos, and Charles Smith. Back row: Spurgeon Simpson Jr., Earl Castagna, George Darney, Alberto Agular, and Jimmy Skubna. 26/LOG/April 1984 �.-rTB t Upgrading Course Schedule , - isaaav Through July 1984 1 Programs Geared to Improve Job Skills And Promote U.S. Maritime Industry i Following are the updated course schedules for May Steward Upgrading Courses through July 1984 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School Course Check-In/ Completion Date Length of Course Assistant Cook Cook and Baker Chief Cook Chief Steward bi-weekly bi-weekly bi-weekly monthly varies varies varies varies Course Check-In/ Compietion Date Length of Course June 18 May 18 June 22 of Seamanship. For convenience of the membership, the course schedule is separated into five categories: engine department courses; deck department courses; steward department courses; recertiflcation programs; adult education courses. The starting and completion dates for all courses are also listed. Inland Boatmen and deep sea Seafarers who are preparing to upgrade are advised to enroll in the courses of their choice as early as possible. Although every effort will iDe made to help every member, classes will be limited in size—so sign up early. Class schedules may be changed to reflect membership demands. ^ . SlU Representatives in all ports will assist members in preparing applications. The following classes will be held through July 1984 as listed below: Engine Upgrading Courses Course Refrigeration Systems, Maintenance & Operations Pumproom Maintenance & Operations Marine Eiectrical Maintenance Marine Eiectronics Welding Tankerman Third Assistant Engineer Check-In Date Completion Date June 17 August 3 May 20 Julys May 6 Julys July 8 May 20 July 8 June 17 June 10 August 17 June 22 August 10 June 28 August 17 Adult Education Courses Developmental Studies (GED) High School Equivalency Program (ESL) English as a Second Language (ABE) Adult Basic Education Open-ended Open-ended Open-ended WANTED W Deck Upgrading Courses Course Lifeboatman Celestial Navigation/ Towboat Operator Celestial Navigation/ Third Mate Quartermaster Third Mate Check-In Date Completion Date June 3 June 24 June 29 July 27 July 15 August 17 June 24 May 6 August 10 July 13 Recertification Programs Course Check-In Date Bosun Recertification August 26 Steward Recertification May 20 October 21 Completion Date October 8 July 2 December 3 Steward Department Upgraders Upgrading means JOB SECURITY. Assistant Cook Cook and Baker Chief Cook Chief Steward Fill out the application in this issue of the Log, or contact Admissions Office Seafarers Harry Lundeberg Schooi of Seamanship Piney Point, iy/iaryiand 20674 April 1984/LOG/27 • • -• 'ji- '' •" -• 'f �ira!'jJ1lj*u.i ."sirS^ Coping With America's Medical Crisit ' Seafarers Plans: A Look at Welfare Benefits '•,i • k f Hi. •' ' • 3.CJJ f^ [j • ' 1; I t- . Since the beginning of the Seafarers Plans in 1950, Seafar­ ers have relied upon the Sea­ farers Welfare, Pension and Va­ cation Plans to provide essential benefits through every stage of a Seafarer's life from the first job call through the retirement years. In-between there is sometimes marriage and the birth of children. As the Union membership has grown, the Seafarers Plans have improved the range of benefits to members. The Plans have extended provisions to hus­ bands and wives and the chil­ dren of Seafarers, truly becom­ ing a family affair. In the last 10 years, the Board of Trustees has added and in­ creased numerous benefits. Medical benefits for eligible em­ ployees now include major med­ ical coverage paying much of the doctor bill for the expected, when a child takes his first spill and for the unexpected, when emergency care is needed. The Welfare Plan Trustees have continually tried to pro­ vide access to quality care and a full package of benefits. They ensure the Plan's funds bring the greatest return in welfare benefits to the greatest number of people. To Union members and oth­ ers, the Plans are the funda­ mental basis for human rights for the entire Seafaring popu­ lation. A Seafarer needs to know what benefits members are en­ titled to and how to apply for benefits. The Plans support the funding of medical care, a death and pension benefit, the Charlie Lo­ gan Scholarship, vacations, in­ come support payments and the counsel and reassurance pro­ vided by the Alcohol Rehabili­ tation Center to participants facing the disease of alcoholism. The Seafarers Plans are in­ tegrated with the services of SIU support staffs and the Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman- Definitions Some Words You Need To Understand who are under the age of 19 or who are under the age of 25 and are full-time students enrolled in a program leading to a bac­ calaureate or higher degree at an accredited institution au­ thorized by law to grant such degrees. Participant Anyone who is eli­ gible for (can get) benefits under the rules of the Plan. Signatory Employer An em­ ployer who gives money to the Welfare Plan on behalf of his employees. Covered Employment If you are an eligible participant, you will receive credit for covered em­ ployment when: Employees You or any other worker that is represented by the SIU-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in collective bargaining. Accrual of Claims When a claim begins. A claim accrues (begins) on the date when you or any other eligible employee, pen­ sioner or dependent first gets treatment, is injured or dies. A claim also accrues when you become eligible for (can get) any other benefit covered by the Plan. Contribution Rate The amount of money that an employer pays to the Plan. How much an em­ ployer pays per day into the Plan decides how much you get in benefits. To find out which rate you are covered by, ask your Union representative or contact the Plan Office. Dependent a) Your spouse, b) Unmarried children of an em­ ployee for whom the employee (and his or her spouse) has been the sole source of support dur­ ing the calendar year immedi­ ately preceding the date upon which any claim for benefits on behalf of the child is made and 28/LOG/April 1984 1. you are working for a signa­ tory employer. 2. you are receiving Sickness and Accident Benefits. 3. you are receiving an SIU Scholarship award. 4. you are attending classes at the Seafarers Hany Lundeberg School of Seamanship and you met the eligibility requirements for welfare benefits in the year prior to attendance at the Sea­ farers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. 5. you are receiving Mainte­ nance and Cure Benefits (up to a maximum of 39 weeks per disability). ship curriculum. The hiring halls and open telephone lines to headquarters are a help to sea­ men filing for benefits and re­ ceiving benefit claims. The early diagnosis of a dis­ ease or illness means that sea­ men, no matter what port they call home, can take every pre­ caution to protect their health and their sailing papers. The Seafarers Welfare Plan carries provisions for preventive med­ icine and is the mainstay of health care benefits for eligible Seafarers, their dependents and pensioners and their depend­ ents, as weU as income support and death benefits. Health Benefits Annual Examination Throughout the nation, SIU clinics as well as contracted physicians in areas without clin­ ics receive funding from the Seafarers Welfare Plan to pro­ vide free annual examinations to Seafarers and follow-up care. The examination is a thorough "head to toe" physical and gen­ erally includes a medical his­ tory, chest X-ray, an EKG for members 45 and over, lab work and blood pressure evaluation. Seafarer dependents and spouses are also eligible for an annual examination at the clin­ ics or SWP-contracted physi­ cians. For many families the trip to the clinic is standard in the ritual preparation for each school year. Emergency Care The Plan will also pay for all eligible members and depend­ ents to receive emergency care in a hospital setting. Under Plan I, emergency treatment may be covered when received in a doc­ tor's office, upon receipt of a physician's bill acknowledging emergency care. Hospital and Medical Benefits A close cooperative agree­ ment between the SIU and sig­ natory employers guarantees that seamen injured through no fault of their own while fulfilling a work assignment will receive medical assistance on the first day aboard ship. By the 75th day of qualified employment, the Seafarer becomes eligible to receive the many benefits pro­ vided by the Se^arers Welfare Plan. There are two major cate­ gories of care the Plan provides. The Employee Medical Ex­ pense Benefit of the Plan covers reasonable and customary hos­ pital, surgical and medical ex­ penses comparable to those that were previously offered by the USPHS hospitals. And above and beyond the basic Medical Expense Benefit, eligible Sea­ farers under Plan I have a sec­ ond tier of coverage called ma­ jor medical insurance. Major medical insurance will pay 80 percent of the balance remain­ ing after the basic benefit has been exhausted. As long as a Seafarer retains basic eligibility requirements of the Seafarers Plans, his bride as well will be covered by the dependent benefits of the Plans. Photo courtesy of Monte Studio. �r,. Ambulance Service Maternity Benefits Many related services such as patient transportation are considered luxuries in many in­ surance contracts. The Seafar­ ers Welfare Plan differs. Like any other reasonable hospital expense, local ambulance serv­ ice may be awarded under pro­ visions for hospital extras. Under Plan I, female Seafar­ ers or the spouse of an eligible seaman may receive maternity benefits. The Medical Expense Benefit pays for the delivery like any other surgical procedure ac­ cording to the Welfare Plan Sur­ gical Schedule, plus major med­ ical. Room and Board There is no other hospital ex­ pense multiplying as quickly as the cost for room and board. In five years, from 1979, the av­ erage cost for a one-day stay in a hospital has increased by 76 percent. The Medical Expense Benefit will provide payment for semi-private or ward accom­ modations. However, if a Sea­ farer or a Seafarer's dependent prefers a private room, the dif­ ference in cost will be deducted by the Plan. Intensive Care .M, Millions of dollars worth of medical equipment have taken the place of the doctor's black bag in intensive care units. A team of highly paid nurses and doctors monitor patients brought to the unit because they are seriously ill. The Seafarers Wel­ fare Plan offers security most when a member is unable to make decisions and care for himself. All reasonable fees for intensive care for an unlimited number of days will be paid by the Plan. Surgical Benefits Simple surgical procedures often may be performed in a doctor's office, saving time and hospital charges. The Plan will pay all reasonable charges for out-patient surgery for seamen and dependents in a doctor's office or hospital facility. Par­ ticipants who wish to compute the cost of a planned surgery should keep in mind that the Medical Expense Benefit will pay for surgery, according to the surgical schedule, up to a maximum of $600. Major med­ ical picks up 80 percent of the balance. The benefit will be paid only once per illness or injury unless a second surgery is re­ quired. Surgeon Fees The Welfare Plan Surgical Schedule determines the Sur­ gical Expense Benefit allowable for surgeon fees. 'i. Baby Bond A $50 savings bond is pre­ sented in the name of any child bom to an eligible Seafarer or the wife of an eligible Seafarer covered by the Seafarers Wel­ fare Plan. The bond is a con­ gratulatory note and also an in­ troduction to the newest member of the Seafaring family of the Seafarers Plans. Doctor Calls Every patient admitted to a hospital will be visited by a physician. The physician usu­ ally will stop by to examine a patient before surgery to make certain the patient is physically and mentally prepared for the operation. In-hospital physician quest. If approved, a portion of the costs may be paid for special equipment or supplies. Many times special' equip­ ment and supplies can be pur­ chased or rented for the member at a much lower price; or a different type or brand can be used for the same purpose at a reduced cost. El^bility Requirements To get most of the benefits in the Welfare Plan, you must have these basic seatime requirements: 1. 125 days of covered employment in the calendar year before the date of your claim. 2. one day of covered employment either in the six months before the date of your claim or during the month that the claim began but before (not on) the day the claim began. examinations are covered by the expense benefit. Dependents will receive $15 for the first day, $10 the second day, and $6 from the third to the 58th day. Under Plan I, major medical comes in to supplement the doctor's bill after the basic benefit is paid. Hospital Extras The basic benefit of the Plan will pay all reasonable hospital bills for extra charges to the 90th day of illness. After that, major medical covers 80 percent of any further charges. The Plan does not compensate for private duty nurses, rental televisions and any other unnecessary pur­ chases. Special Equipment and Supplies The Board of Trustees re­ quests eligible members to sub­ mit the name of the brand, cost and reason why the special equipment is needed. The Trustees will review the re- ^ As eariy as the newborn's entrance Into the world, children of eligible Seafarers may be protected under the umbrella of the Seafarers Welfare Plans. Photo courtesy of Monte Studio. Problems arise when eligible members unknowingly pur­ chase equipment or supplies and are charged phenomenal fees. Or when a member makes the purchase upon doctors' rec­ ommendations when the equip­ ment or supplies are really not going to do the patient any good at all. Optical and Dental Provisions Many health plans do not have a provision for dental or optical benefits. The Seafarers Welfare Plan provides a $40 allowance once every two years for an eye examination or toward the pur­ chase of eye glasses, for eligible members and their families. If your child has a pathologic problem that requires an eye examination more often, send in a doctor's statement. Assistance is also provided to the Seafarer for dental care. Payments are made according to a schedule for many dental procedures. Income Support A Seafarer must have just one goal in mind while undergoing medical treatment. And that is to put every ounce of energy into concentrating on full recov­ ery. The Seafarers Plans can help by alleviating some of the stress associated with an inter­ ruption in earned income. The Plan carries provisions that pro­ vide income support payments during a medical emergency. In-patient Sickness and Accident Seamen admitted to an ap­ proved private hospital in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Canal Zone or Canada may be eligible to re­ ceive this benefit. The Plan will pay $8 a day in income support up to 273 days in any 12 month period. Because disability in­ come is subject to social secu­ rity taxes, the Plan pays the $1.17 F.I.C.A. for you. If the employee is receiving Maintenance and Cure, which has the same objective to help provide medical support, the Sickness and Accident Benefit will not be awarded. Seafarers must submit all necessary forms for S & A benefits no later than 60 days from their release from the hospital. Out-patient Sickness and Accident Beginning from the fifth day of medical disability that lasts eight days or longer, the Plan will pay the same rate as in­ patient S & A with the same restrictions. Seafarers eligible for out-patient support must be sure their claim is received no (Continued on page 30^ April 1984/LOG/29 "_r-'igi ..Bfci il , iS-' V' i �f - r: •.vy.':- • r• Seafarers Plans: A Look at Welfare Benefits (Continued from page 29.) later than 60 days from the first day the Seafarer is treated for the disability. In-hospital Benefits Upon the expiration of S & A benefits or in the event a Seafarer is injured or becomes ill aboard ship and is admitted to a hospital in a foreign coun­ try, he may still be eligible for income support. The benefit, $3 each day, is paid for every day a Seafarer is hospitalized. The claim must be filed within 60 days from the date of discharge. "TV A $1 benefit is intended to make sure seamen who are un­ able to satisfy the standard eli­ gibility requirements are not without a hospital support pay­ ment to cover the cost of inci­ dentals. A seaman needs only one day of employment in the previous 12 months to qualify for this benefit. Claims must be received no later than 60 days from the Seafarers release from the hospital. Long Term Disability Benefits If an eligible seaman is dis­ abled, he will continue to re­ ceive the entire package of wel­ fare benefits for six months after his last day of employment. The long-term disability benefit ex­ tends coverage for the ipitial illness or injury for an additional six months. Seafarers clinics may be just around the comer from where you ship out for duty. If not, a SWP-contracted physician may be within easy reach. Both offer free annual examinations and reasonably priced diagnostic services: Algonac, Mich. Down River Medical Center, 329 Columbia St. Alpena, Mich. Drs. Greenwood and Dettloff, 115 N. First Ave. Baltimore, Md. SWP Medical Department, 1216 E. Baltimore St. Chicago, 111. Sakhawat Hussain, MD, 9206 S. Commercial St. Cleveland, Ohio £>rs. Enrique R. Ique, Ramos and Associations, 129-30 Terminal Tower Arcade Duluth/Superior, Wis. Giesen Clinic 30/LOG/April 1984 Death Benefits Standard Death Benefit An assigned beneficiary may be given up to $5,000 as a death benefit if the Seafearer was not eligible for a pension from the Plan at the time of death. The amount of this benefit will de­ pend upon a Seafarers eligibil­ ity, and whether the beneficiary chosen by the Seafarer is a close relative. Only beneficiaries fall­ ing under the categories listed on page 17 of the Seafarers Wel­ fare Plan booklet will receive the full standard death benefit. A funeral expense may be de­ ducted. The plan will not deduct any more than $1,000 or the amount of the Death Benefit, whichever is lower for funeral costs. Graduated Death Benefit As of June 16, 1979, a bene­ ficiary from the fist of relatives on page 17 of the Seafarers Wel­ fare Plan booklet can receive a Graduated Death Benefit in ad­ dition to the Standard Death Benefit. The benefit applies if the Seafarer is not eligible for a pension at the time of death. The benefit ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Accidental Dismemberment Benefits . Any injury, unrelated to an accident in the workplace, will be compensated apart from the Medical Expense and major medical benefits to pay for some of the cost of rehabilitation, ed­ ucation for the handicapped or artificial limbs. A $5,000 benefit will be paid for the loss of two hands, loss of two feet, loss of sight in two eyes. A $2,500 benefit will be paid for the loss of one hand, loss of one foot, loss of sight in one eye. Pension Medical Benefits Throughout a Seafarer's years of employment, contracts ne­ gotiated by the process of col­ lective bargaining between the Seafarers International Union and representatives from SIUcontracted companies may well affect the Seafarer throughout all the years of his retirement. For instance, pensioners to­ day who meet the requirements below will continue to be eligi­ ble for Welfare Plan benefits while retired. • Pensioners who get Disa­ bility Pensions from the Seafar­ ers Pension Plan. • As of Jan. 1, 1979, pen­ sioners who are receiving pen­ sion from the Seafarers Pension Plan and have 125 days of cov­ ered employment in the calen­ dar year before the year they became eligible for and applied for a pension; and have a total of at least 5,475 days of covered employment. Seafarers Welfare Plan Clinics Dr. Mataczynski, 1515 Ogden Ave. East Boston, Mass. Dr. P. Ferrino, MD, East Boston Medical Associates, 79 Meridian St. Frankfort, Mich. Gordon W. Willoughby, MD, 104 5th St. Gloucester, Mass. (Essex) B. Philip Fisher, MD, Essex Medical Office, 4 Martin St. Honolulu, Hawaii David T. Eith, MD, Industrial Medical Clinic, 1523 Kalakaua Ave. Houston, Texas Jack B. Mazow, MD, 1503 Medical Towers Jacksonville, Fla. Inter-Medic Clinic, 3649 Crown Point Ct., Suite B Melvindale, Mich. Melvindale Medical Clinic, 2429 Oakwood St. Mobile, Ala. Arthur A. Amendola, MD, 263 Saint Francis St. New Orleans, La. SWP Medical Department, 630 Jackson Ave. New York, N.Y. (Brooklyn) SWP Medical Department, 675 4 Ave. Norfolk, Va. Norfolk Rudolf Schuster, MD, 327 W. Bute St. Philadelphia, Pa. Samuel Stein, MD, Union Health Center, 35 S. 4th St. Port Arthur, Texas (Nederland) Ronald K, Eger, MD, 1323 S. 27 St.^ Suite 900 Portland, Ore. Marquam Medical Center, 2220 S.W. 1st Ave. Medicare Supplements At age 65, an employee or pensioner becomes eligible for enrollment in the Basic Medi­ care Program and the Supple­ mental Medicare Program. Active employees between the ages of 65 and 69 who have maintained eligibility will want to decide whether Medicare or the Seafarers Welfare Plan will be the primary provider of health care benefits. Pensioners are required to register for the Basic Medicare Program and the Supplemental Medicare Program if covered by the Seafarers Welfare Plan at age 65. The Plan will compen­ sate the pensioner for the amount of premiums for both medicare programs. In filing for medical benefits, the pensioner must submit first to Medicare any medical bills. The Plan will then pay the Hos­ pital Deductible that is not cov­ ered by Medicare and a portion of any extra charges that are not paid by Medicare if covered by the Plan. A more complete description of benefits and the Welfare Plan is published in the pamphlet "Seafarers Welfare Plan." The fifth in a series of LOG articles on medical care may hold special interest for anyone who has ever filed a claim. Next issue: How claims are processed. San Francisco, Calif. Seafarers Medical Center, 40 Lansing St. Santurce, Puerto Rico Maximo Levin, MD, Ashford Medical Center, Ashford Ave. and Washington St. San Pedro, Calif. Dr. William Anderson, Seamens Medical Center, 593 W. 6th St. Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Sault Polyclinic, 300-306 Court St. Seattle, Wash. Robert Burdick, MD, Polyclinic, 1200 Harvard Ave. St. Louis, Mo. Business and Industry Health Group (Kosciusko Medical Clinic), 1705 S. 3rd St. Tampa, Fla. Robert Turkel, MD, 502 S. Magnolia Ave. �tTjames and two daughters, pensioner Joan and Gloria. Nicholas HatgimPensioner isios, 58, suc­ Vernon I>ee Hop­ cumbed to can­ kins Sr., 69, Monson. cer in , ®o passed away on Feb. 3. Brother Pennsylvania rederick George^ . . Henrv Dixon, 38, died Hopkins joined f 1 Hospital m Phn j^es Hemy^ p^^on lerson, 68, sue the SIU m the Tih^SIU in the port of port of Norfolk 101"®^ 1965 sailing as a f the SIU in the port of m A « in 1956 sailing as OMED He lasborninMc^e gintisios joined the t^n in 1955 sailing as a SiipTdelegate^dbosmi.1^^^ (uston in 1 QMEIJ- ^ _p„;aent there. Sur- in the port of N J W pnntP^-"^^^ Zi tvas a GoWen sailed '^^^seafarer Hopkins Jersey City. ,4^ creWar. Se irt Commercial). He was Vietnam sident of V^leio. M,. (Transport Comm . ^.e- was a veteran of the U. ^ ation took place t g graduated from t fewa^^s ^o- Guard in World ,orial Oaks Crematory, n Cynthia. south Creekj^N^,, m September 1982. Sea- a resident of ^esap ^ Pensioner John gram m >®P. heean sailing fyrer Hatgim.sios heg^^^ Luther Gibbons Surviving are tw Aurora, Pensioner Jr. and Guion, both or in 1944. He \^%on a Sr., 69, passed Preston Lloyd away recently. Ayers,67,diedon SstnharfAwardJe^t N.C. Wher Gibbons Jan. 11Henry Ja»^n",^bom^in New joined the SIU in icate ^^'J^ j^e'otPhdadelphia, heart Ayers joined the disease at h 1939 in the port casta. A native 01 SlU in the port Orleans on No^i^^j jbe SIU of New Vork h® of New Orleans T'tce n the Har- Brother Nndore 1 Orleans in ^J saUingasachirf- mation took plac^^ in 1952 saUing as in the port of New leighCremaory,Cam^^ an oiler. He was China 1969 saUing^a^ •« Georgia and was a res- S^-^'1l^'[9trGrea^r Surviving are in the Evening Star B. C. S^Imbrosia of Philadelphia. was m the ^ , nville. La. Cemetery ,J>aP jienry VAval ginia, k Surviving are Surviving are WSP a her, Raymond. Brooklyn, ^"son. Seaand Lillie Isadore sr. his "'f^Z'^ther Gibbons, Jr., :;Ser, Marie Carson . -t Daniel Chrzanowsta, farer John Uutn pensioner joined the ^U ^^oranruois Holt, both of ^port of Norfolk. He Emanuel Dewey .evueHospitaUnNe^^^^^^^ Jones, 81, passed Brooklyn. in Virginia an^ surviving is Sept. 22, awayfro«^P^"' of Hopewell, va. o pensioner moniaintheBOT New York in 1978 George Lenard bisS widow, Lucy. Secour Hospital, oi^FD for the Delta Gffl, 79, passed ling asaQMEDfo Baltimore 011 , Robert CB^»«r^^'^'rot^t away on Feb. 24. Feb. 22. Brother diedonMa.rch2 , ne - CS Longlines Bfother G" Henley Jomed toe _S^^^ j,b3 card rable Ship Co.)in Jones j®n®f*f. joined the SIU in fansoceanic . Brooklyn, giectrician for Ihe port of I^ew port of San ,82. He ivas bornm Orleans m 19p^ satting as,» ® ^ mailed in the timore I.Y.andwasa resm • Jacksonville, Sea-Land. He Henley /W| saUingasach^ He was ^^ent of Bal;remation too P ^ry, g^ookVietnam War. S ^^ Fla. and was a r^ ' Z He helped to organize ireenwoc4 C parents, War 11. Bom timore. f"f®™®ry, Baltimore. yn. Surviving areJh.^Pj,j^^^^. steward, ^®^®Zafarer Gill was Force after World wor ^ ?''^^iSdad1n%asanatAttbnm Ce^^^bH widow, GerStatthew and ^ ^ born m Tnn a in Lynnhaven. Va.. s^j^viving are S-dr:on,Eldridge. nfn!«®^. of Fairhope, Ala. Sur- resident of resident ot rm dow Rgsie; a William An­ lo^L^art and a daughter, ter, drew Lang, r, Jenpiferjenimvrx. msionerWH^Con^G^^^ passed away m Ellora. Sinai Hospital, agy.'stag;. S?"i ' •! isrfs- SS.r^Bn»e>. '""'CfnS sailing as he port or r^ . p, hegan Seafarer Conner hng in 1934. J, jina and IS a resident of sSfolk, Va. Peter ^®®^^sStde,^Wash. f®n°®'fT Brother Goodzuk on the'SIU in the port of joined the as a bosun. walked the a brother, Uoyd of Seafarer Goodzu^ picket lino'nff^^f Born in ^oodlawn, N.C. P Y. Harbor >®®^^^,tesident Camden,NX,h j^^t^ttnent of Betha P®®' „ Cemetery, was in Glen surviving are Gloucester, began sail- Glen Burni^ ^^;da- two daughhis widow. Can and "® n^fninNewJersey, inl951.Bot of Monson, was a resid ^idow, Park. ss. Surviving are h eresa;ason,Altonso s.i''-srrs ton, 69, die March in Jersey ^f^,' i„inedtheSlU Baltimore on April 19, 1983. Brother ^tig joined the SIU m •>< »"• m-x: m the port of New 1Q^2 He was born m York and was a Elizabeth, N.J. bit the Inter1974. Seafarer ^ ^ Harbor Carroll resident of Wesley Cem- * hriof'%'^JereceivedaUnion beet- In I9W h Trnvivi^llamtto'sisters B T>aitimore and Personal Satety ^ ship, etery. Sury ingnhonfdfj'^tcw Jersey. A Zfc o^fasUinsi^^^^X- April 1984'LOG/31 "ti �., .':-v?' :\'''' •.A , f "'ii ' !• 'i' i^-i r'. hi TiS . y'! : ••2(1: J-i-' 1^!, (Continued from Page 31) Pensioner Charles Joseph Sweeney, 62, died on Nov. 1, 1983. Brother Sweeney joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans in 1965 sailing as an AB. He was a former member of the SUP and also worked as a wire rope splicer. Seafarer Sweeney was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Born in St. Louis, Mo., he was a resident of Seattle. Surviving is a sister. Sue Schwab of Kirkwood, Mo. Pensioner George Burton WUliams, 71, passed away in the University of [Texas Hospital, jHouston on Dec. i23,1983. Brother Williams joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1955 sailing as a cook. He was bom in Kentucky and was a resident of Houston. Surviv­ ing are two sisters, Elizabeth L. Ray of Norfolk and Mrs. Donnie J. Grey of Savannah, Ga. Pensioner Chester Bert Wil­ son, 72, died on Jan. 31. Brother Wilson joined the SIU in 1939 in I the port of BalItimore sailing as , la bosun.. He was bora in Cleveland, Ohio and was resident of Baltimore. Surviving is a sister, Helen Rowe of Par­ kersburg, W. Va. Pensioner Spencer Thomas Wilson, 57, died at home in Kentwood, La. after a lengthy illness on Jan. 10. Brother Wil­ son joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York sailing as a chief electrician. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Seafarer Wilson was born in Osyka, Miss. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Surviving are his widow, Barbara; two sons, James of Jacksonville and Rob­ ert; his mother. Ruby Lee; a brother, Lowell; and three nieces, all of Kentwood. Great Lakes Pensioner Thomas James Ar­ gue Sr., 71, passed away from a liver ailment in the Paul Oliver Hospital, Benzi, Mich, on Jan. 21. Brother Argue joined the Union in the port of Elberta, Mich, in 1952 sailing as a car handler on the SS City of Cercem Bay (Ann Arbor Railroad Carferries). He was born in Michigan and was a resident of Frankfort, Mich. Cremation took place in the Graceland Park Cre­ matory, Grand Rapids, Mich. Surviving is his widow, Evelyn. Pensioner Roy Franklm Bauers, 76, succumbed to pneu­ monia in Ontario, Ore. on Feb. 15. Brother Bauers joined the Union in the port of Seattle sailing as a wheelsman on the carferry Chief Wawatan (Ann Arbor, Mich. Railroad Carfer­ ries). He was born in Missouri and was a resident of Carp Lake, Mich. Burial was in the Ever­ green Cemetery, Ontario. Sur­ viving is his widow. Aria of Pensioner John Joseph Winn, 60, died on Feb. 24. Oiitario. Brother Winn Pensioner, Jack Thomas joined the SIU in j the port of New Carter, 65, died on Dec. 22, ! York in 1950 sail- 1983. Brother Carter joined the (ing as a bosun. Union in the port of Elberta, He worked on Mich, in 1953 sailing as a 1st the Sea-Land Shoregang in Port cook aboard the M/V Viking of Elizabeth, N.J. from 1967 to the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Railroad 1977. Seafarer Winn was on the Co. Ferries (Michigan Inter­ picket lines in the 1961 N.Y. state) in 1950. He worked for Harbor beef, the 1962 Robin the company until 1982. Laker Line strike and the 1965 District Carter was a veteran of the U.S. CouncU 37 beef. Winn also Army in World War II. A native worked as a shipbuilder. A na­ of Scottsville, Ky., he was a tive of Hoboken, N.J., he was resident of Frankfort, Mich. a resident of West New York, Surviving are his widow, Vir­ N.J. Surviving is his widow, ginia and two daughters, Valerie and Jean Johnson. Carmella. 32/LOG/April 1984 Pensioner Merlin Walker, 63, Pensioner died on Jan. 9. Brother Walker Martin Kowalski Sr., 70, died on joined the Union in the port of Nov. 1. Brother Detroit in 1961 sailing as an AB. Kowalski joined He was a veteran of the U.S. the Union in the Navy in World War 11. Laker port of Detroit in Walker was bora in Sturgeon 1959. He sailed Bay, Wis. and was a resident as a FOWT for there. Surviving is his widow, the American Steamship Co. Elaine. from 1959 to 1980. He was born Carl George Woodard, 42, was in Michigan and was a resident of St. Ignace, Mich. Surviving reported missing at sea on Jan. are two sons, Martin Jr. of St. 16. Brother Woodard joined the Ignace and John of Detroit; two Union in San Francisco in 1971 daughters, Kathleen Grindstaff sailing in the steward depart­ of Holland, Mich, and Mary ment for Sea-Land from 1978 to McKenzie of Tacoma, Wash, 1984. He also rode the Ann and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Pat Arbor (Mich.) Railroad Ferries in 1968. Laker Woodard was Kowalski of St. Ignace. bora in Kalkaska County, Mich, and was a resident of Traverse Stanley Ches­ City, Mich. Surviving is his ter Ludwicki, 57, mother, Helen A. Campbell of died in St. Mar­ Traverse City. garet Hospital, Hammond, Ind. Pensioner on Oct. 17,1983. |Robert _ John iBrother LudiZumkley, 83, iwicki joined the Ipassed away Union in the port Sfrom pneumonia of Chicago, 111. in 1971 sailing lintheTri-County as a FOWT for the American IHospital, WhrteSteamship Co. Laker Ludwicki Ihall, Wis.onFeb. _ 13. Brother was the father of John Edward Ludwicki, a 1981 SIU Charlie Zumkley joined the Uhiori in Logan $10,000 four-year schol­ 1947 in the port of New York arship winner. The younger sailing as a bosun. He was a Ludwicki was on the Dean's veteran of the U.S. Armed List studying electrical engi­ Forces. Laker Zunikley was born neering at Purdue University's in New Jersey and was a resi­ School of Engineering, Dyer, dent of Galesville, Wis. Cre­ Ind. Bora in Chicago, the de­ mation took place in the Oak ceased was a resident of Dyer. Grove Cemetery Crematory in Burial was in Holy Cross Cem­ La Crosse, Wis. Surviving is a etery, Calumet City, 111. Surviv­ daughter, Marie Becker of ing is the son. Galesville. William Allen Rattery Jr., 64, died of cancer at home in Novi, Mich, on Dec. 5, 1983. Brother Rattery joined the Union in the port of Detroit in 1969 sailing as a QMED for Kinsman Marine and the Reiss Steamship Co. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II. Laker Rattery was bora in Detroit. Burial was in the Cadillac West Cemetery, Westland, Mich. Surviving is a daughter Gayle H. K. Saari of Hancock, Mich. Pensioner Francis J. Shea died on Feb. 5. Brother Shea joined the Union in the port of Alpena, Mich. He was a resident of Al­ pena. Surviving is his widow, Evelyn. Atlantic Fishermen Pensioner Clinton Flygare died on Feb. 28, 1982. Brother Fly­ gare joined the SlU-merged At­ lantic Fishermens Union in the port of Gloucester, Mass. He was a resident of Gloucester. Surviving is his widow. Bertha. Support SPAD �McVey Wins Maritime Labor Award personals Louis Machicote Directory of Ports Your wife asks that you con­ tact her. Frank Drozak, President Ed Turner, Exec. Vice President Joe DIGIorglo, Secretary-Treasurer Leon Hall, Vice President Angua "Red" Campbell, Vice President Mike Sacco, Vice President Joe Sacco, Y/co President George McCartney, Vice President HEADQUARTERS SIU President Frank Drozak congratulates Missouri State Labor Council President Daniel J. "Duke" McVey, recipient of the Maritime Labor Man of the Year Award. Dispatchers Report for Deep March 1-30, 1984 i Gloucester... New York.... Ptiiiadelphia.. Baltitnore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Seattie Puerto Rico .. Honbiuiu — Houston Piney Point .. Totals Part Gloucester... New York.... Philadelphia.. Baitimore.... Norfolk Mobile ..... New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Puerto Rico Honolulu .. Houston... PIneyFPoint Totals. Port Gloucaster... New York.... Philadelphia.. Baltimore.... Norfolk Mobile New Orleans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wilmington .. Seattle Puerto Rico.. Honolulu .... Houston....; Piney Point .. Tiials. Gloucestsr... New York.... Philadelphia.. BaMffloro.... Norfolk MODHV NewOtfeans . Jacksonville.. San Francisco Wiimlnirton .. Seattle Puerto Rico.. Honolulu .... Houston Piney Point .. Totals 'TOTAL REGISTERED Ml Groups Class A Class B Class C 22 20 44 34 35 27 21 10 0 44 0 338 0 25 11 5 13 5 8 13 12 18 12 3 13 18 0 154 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 6 0 47 1 8 13 10 43 21 30 14 18 10 4 28 0 247 3 12 4 3 7 3 14 3 14 9 15 2 12 12 0 113 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 4 0 0 8 2 62 9 a 1 25 3 2 11 10 24 13 19 5 8 4 4 20 0 141 1 14 5 0 2 1 2 4 27 3 8 2 18 1 0 81 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 24 0 0 27 0 34 0 4 8 7 19 7 15 11 10 7 3 15 0 14B 2 68 0 17 20 10 36 21 67 33 28 20 76 26 19 444 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 8 0 0 1 107 2 0 124 TOTAL SHIPPEO Trip All Groups Rallaa Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 0 18 43 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 9 18 0 0 3 13 3 0 2 33 0 0 19 41 1 0 0 18 0 0 4 23 2 0 5 31 0 0 11 12 0 12 ' 6 2 0 0 1 28 0 0 4 0 7 6 92 262 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 33 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 11 1 0 3 21 0 0 9 22 0 0 3 5 0 0 3 12 3 0 8 21 1 0 8 11 0 9 19 3 0 0 5 14 0 0 0 0 5 9 67 165 8TEWMID DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 21 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 8 0 0 2 8 2 0 4 14 0 0 7 22 4 0 14 12 0 0 11 10 0 0 15 14 0 0 1 .4 0 132 104 3 0 0 2 7 0 0 14 0 9 132 195 127 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 147 354 554 165 797 874 Totals Ml Departments "Total Registered" means the number of men who actuaily registered for shipping at the last nwnth^ ""Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. 18 "REGISTERED ON BEACH Ml Groups Clan A Clan B Clan C 5 148 18 20 33 34 113 81 83 59 81 12 2 103 0 732 7 57 20 12 30 11 25 26 30 40 46 7 22 42 0 375 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 3 2 2 0 1 1 0 17 1 118 17 19 25 12 88 34 48 32 45 12 2 87 0 516 4 28 8 5 17 8 21 15 25 23 29 8 18 22 0 227 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 2 0 10 0 0 19 2 61 7 7 17 15 47 15 35 12 29 5 4 53 0 309 3 35 10 0 5 1 8 8 50 10 18 3 21 5 0 175 0 0. 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 49 1 0 56 0 47 10 11 10 8 46 14 24 15 16 7 6 30 0 244 10 210 39 33 64 18 88 57 123 83 71 30 79 83 1 989 0 12 0 0 0 0 4 2 23 4 6 3 131 3 0 188 1,801 1,761 280 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, Md. 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC, Mich. 520 St. Clair River Dr. 48O01 (313)794-4988 BALTIMORE, Md. 1216 E. Baltimore St. 21202 (301) 327-4900 CLEVELAND, Ohio 1290 Old River Rd. 44113 (216)621-5450 DULUTH, Minn. 705 Medical Arts Building 55802 (218)722-4110 GLOUCESTER, Mass. 11 Rogers St. 01930 (617)283-1167 HONOLULU, Hawaii 707 Aiakea St. 96813 (808) 537-5714 HOUSTON, Tex. 1221 Pierce St. 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. 3315 Liberty St. 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY, N.J. 99 Montgomery St. 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE, Ala. 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 36605 (205) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS, La. 630 Jackson Ave. 70130 (504) 529-7546 Toll Free: 7-800-325-2532 NEW YORK, N.Y. 675 4 Ave., Brooklyn 11232 (212)499-6600 NORFOLK, Va. 115 3 St. 23510 (804) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA, Pa. 2604 8. 4 St. 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT. Md. St. Mary's County 20674 (301)994-0010 SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. 350 Fremont St. 94105 (415) 543-5855 SANTURCE, P.R. 1057 Fernandez Juhcos St Stop 16 00907 (809) 725-6960 SEATTLE, Wash. 2505 1 Ave. 98121 (206) 623-4334 ST. LOUIS, Mo. 4581 Gravois Ave. 63116 (314) 752-6500 WILMINGTON, Calif. 408 Avalon Blvd. 90744 (213) 549-4000 «hinninn in the month of March was up from the month of February. A total of 1,055 jobs and 18 trip relitirSSS silliSSlTn o"iru™nt.Scted deep sea vessels. Of the 1.055 |obs shlp^.^ •isout 52 MrcJn^ere taken by "A" seniority members. The rest were filled by B and C SSJL sK SrSr." 0? April 1.1982. .tofl Of 532 rlWIob. I»v. b«n .hipped. April 1984/LOG/33 �Deep Sea Arthur M. Alsobrooks, 62, joined the SlU in the port of Houston in 1955 sailing as a GSU. Brother Alsobrooks also sailed during the Vietnam War. He received a Union Per­ sonal Safety Award for sailing aboard an accident-free ship, the SS Bienville. Seafarer Alsobrooks is a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. A native of Texas, he is a resident of Houston. m ;% ; t-' 'i A «.! * h: 1.1 Necolan "Nick" Bathia,58, joined the SlU in 1944 in the port of New York sailing as a chief electrician and QMEQ. Brother Bathia also worked as a sheet metal worker. He was born in Dorothy, W.Va. and is a resident of Whitesville, W.Va. Oscar Robert Bird, 65, joined the SlU in 1948 in the port of New York sailing as a QMED. Brother Bird was born in Argentina, and is a resident of Metairie, La. Ernest William Cox, 62, joined the SlU in the port of New Orleans in 1950 sailing as a cook. Brother Cox is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was born in Pass Christian, Miss, and is a resident of Lake Charles, La. Juan G. Cruz, 61, joined the SlU in 1949 in the port of New Orleans sailing as a QMED. Brothers Cruz sailed 35 years. He was born in Puerto Rico and is a resident of New Orleans. Ming Fa Sung, 69, joined the SlU in the port of San Francisco in 1972 sailing as a chief cook. Brother Fa Sung was born in China and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He is a resident of San Francisco. Thomas Fields, 71, joined the SlU in 1939 in the port of Savannah sailing as a chief cook. Brother Fields was born in Savannah and is a resident of New Orleans. frif ii. •! *, 4 Charles Marsh Carlson, 63, joined the SlU in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia sailing as a chief cook. Brother Carl­ son is a wounded veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was born in Mobile and is a resident of Wilming­ ton, Calif. Abraham Carmoega, 58, joined the SlU in the port of New York in 1955 sailing as a chief cook. Brother Car­ moega also worked as an auto mechanic. He was born in Puerto Rico and is a resident of New York City. Ml: 'ak fW Jorge Andres Castillo, 65, joined the SlU in the port of New Orleans in 1962 sailing as an AB and waiter for the Delta Line. Brother Castillo was graduated from the Union's Chief Steward Recertification Program. He is a memtDer of the American Guild of Variety Artists Union. Born in Panama, he is a resident of New Orleans. 34/LOG/April 1984 John Bunyon Gardner Jr., 61, joined the SlU in the port of Norfolk in 1955 sailing as a watchman and AB for Waterman. Brother Gardner began sailing in 1948. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Seafarer Gard­ ner was born in Murray, Ky. and is a resident of St. Pe­ tersburg, Fla. Juan Alberto Goglas, 61, joined the SlU in 1944 in the port of New York sailing as a wiper. Brother Goglas was born in Ponce, P.R. and is a resident of the Bronx, N.Y. Melvin Edward Jones, 59, joined the SlU in 1949 in the port of Norfolk sailing in the steward department. Brother Jones was born in Maryland and is a resident of Ports­ mouth, Va. Moral Walter Jorgensen, 62, joined the SlU in 1944 in the port of New Orleans sail­ ing as a FOWT. Brother Jor­ gensen walked the picket lines in both the 1961 N.Y. Harbor strike and the 1965 District Council 37 beef. He was born in Minneapolis, Minn, and is a resident of Long Beach, Calif. Leyal Everest Joseph, 65, joined the SlU in the port of Baltimore in 1955 sailing as a ship's delegate and recertified bosun. Brother Joseph also sailed during the Vietnam War in 1968 and the India-Paki­ stan War in 1971. He was graduated from the Union's Recertified Bosuns Program in 1974. Seafarer Joseph was a former member of the NMU from 1941 to 1950. Joseph was born in New York City and is a resident of Rome, Pa. George Irvin Lawrence, 65, joined the SlU in 1938 in the port of Mobile sailing as an AB. Brother Lawrence was born in Alabama and is a resident of Mobile. Darlo PImentel Martinez, 65, joined the SlU in the port of Houston in 1955 sailing as a recertified chief steward. Brother Martinez was gradu­ ated from the Union's Recer­ tified Chief Stewards Program in March 1982. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. Seafarer Martinez was born in Vera Cruz, Mexico and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. Martinez is a resident of Houston. Ellas Mendoza, 73, joined the SlU in the port of Houston in 1967. He sailed as a FOWT, last on the SS BradfordIsland {\0M). Brother Mendoza was born in Mexico and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He is a resident Lee Joseph Harvey, 59, of Galveston. joined the SlU in 1943 in the port of Baltimore sailing as a James Robert Messec Sr., cook and recertified bosun. 62, joined the SlU in the port Brother Harvey was gradu­ of Baltimore in 1955 sailing ated from the Union's Recer­ as^ FOWT. Brother Messec tified Bosuns Program in Jan­ sailed 39 years. He Is a vet­ uary 1975. He is a veteran of eran of the U.S. Army In World the U.S. Army in World War War II. Seafarer Messec will II. Seafarer Harvey was born now fish and hunt in his re­ in Arkansas and is a resident tirement. Born in Baltimore, of Picayune, Miss. he Is a resident there. �John Novak, 68, joined the SlU in 1942 in the port of New York sailing as an AB. Brother Novak was born in New York City and is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. Isadoro D. Salvador, .75, joined the SIU in the port of San Francisco in 1956. Brother Salvador was born in the Phil­ ippine Islands and is a resi­ dent of Laoag City, P.i. Antonio Louis Santiago, 65, joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1959 sailing as an AB on the Puerto Rico Marine Shoregang from 1972 to 1973. Brother Santiago hit the bricks in both the 1961 Greater N.Y. Harbor beef and the 1962 Robin Line strike. He is a graduate of the Andrew Furuseth Training School, Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1961 and the Metro Maritime Trade H.S. in New York Seafarer Santiago also worked as a taxi driver and for Nedick's and the Commodore Raymond Earl Reid, 55, Hotel, in New York City. Born in Aquadilla, joined the SlU in 1947 in the P.R., he is a resident of Vega Baja, P.R. port of New York sailing as a Vincent Lee Sherwood, 56, bosun. Brother Reid was born joined the SIU in the port of in Wisconsin and is a resident Norfolk in 1959 sailing as a of Gretna, La. FOWT. Brother Sherwood was born in Norfolk and is a resi­ dent of Chesapeake, Va. Joseph Norman Rioux, 58, joined the SlU in 1945 in the Edward A. Sommers, 65, port of Boston sailing as a joined the SIU in the port of cook and ship's delegate. Baltimore in 1959 saiing as a Brother Rioux attended the cook for Sea-Land. Brother Piney Point Crew Conference Sommers was born in Indiana No. 12 in 1970. He was born Harbor, Ind. and is a resident in Nashua, N.H. and is a res­ of Baltimore. ident of Seattle. Donald Eugene Pool, 57, joined the SlU in 1946 in the port of Philadelphia sailing as a recertified bosun. Brother Pool was graduated from the Union's Recertified Bosuns Program in March 1977. He was born in Illinois and is a resident of Lisle, III. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS KNOW YOUR RIGHTS SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and senior­ ity are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the employers. 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 employers, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return re­ ceipt requested. The proper address for this is: Angus "Red" Campbell Chaimum, Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way and Britannia Way Prince Georges County Camp Springs, Md. 20746 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. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are avail­ able in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard your ship or boat. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU Jack J. WInley Jr., 55, joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York sailing as an AB. Brother Winley was born in Pontiac, Mich, and is a resident of Silver Spring, Nev. Great Lakes Ronald Clyde Ruell, 62, joined the Union in 1949 in the port of Detroit sailing as an AB. Brother Ruell was born in Rogers City, Mich, and is a resident of Alpena, Mich. iiiiiHimiiiiiiiiiiiifliiiuiiiiuiiiiiiM^^^^ patrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights properly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY —THE 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 Log policy is vested in an editorial 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 circum­ stances 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 receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he ' should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to Union headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members 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 employers. Consequently, no member may be discrimi­ nated against because of race, creed, color, sex and na­ tional or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify Union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION —SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its pro­ ceeds are used to further its objects and purposes includ­ ing. but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American Merchant Marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may, be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a con­ dition of membership in the Union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, notify the Seafarers Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and retund. if involuntary. Sup­ port SPAD to protect and further your economic, poli­ tical and social interests, and American trade union concepts. if at any dme a membo- feds But any of tiie above li^ts have been violated, or that he has bcm denied his constitutkmal right of access to Union rcoords or infomution, he should immediately noBiy SIU President Frank Drozak at Headquarters by certffled mail, return receipt requested. The address is 5201 Auth Wsy and Britannia Way, Prince Georges County, Camp Springs, Md. 20746. April 1984/LOG/35 L': ?,: •' KNOW YOUR RIGHTS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGA­ TIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its con­ tents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempt­ ing 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. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by Certified Public Accountants every three months, which are to be submitted to the membership by the Secretary-Treasurer. A quarterly finance committee of rank and file members, elected by the membership, makes examination each quarter of the finances of the Union and reports fully their findings and recommenda­ tions. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, 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 agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of Union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. Carl Theodore Treitler Sr., 59, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New Orleans sail­ ing as a chief cook for the Delta Line. Brother Treitler is a veteran of the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He was born in New Orleans and is a res­ ident of Arabi, La. s. �+1' ... Digest off Ships Meetings LNG ARIES (Energy Transporta­ tion Co.), February 26—Chairman R. Schwarz; Secretary F. Motus; Educa­ tional Director J. Fedesovich; Deck Delegate M. Kadderly; Engine Dele­ gate W. Kimbrough; Steward Delegate W. Christmas. Some disputed OT was reported in the engine department. A discussion was held on the drug-test­ ing kits and machine aboard the ves­ sel. Crewmembers were informed that four members from the crew and one officer will be tested each trip for drugs. The bosun suggested that all members read George Orwell's "1984." He said it looks like OnveH's predictions are all coming true. Apart from needing meet­ ing and crew list forms, all is well aboard the LNG Aries. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. i ir r/'\ fi BEAVER STATE (Apex Marine),. February 11—Chairman G. Mattiolli; Secretary F. Costango; Educational Director J. Lyons; Deck Delegate D. Marcusi'Engine Delegate W. W. Chancey; Steward Delegate Isaiah Gray. No disputed OT. There is $30 in the ship's fund. Everything is running smoothly so far. The secretary re­ minded crewmembers to make sure that their customs declarations are accurate in all ports of call, especially for tobacco and spirits in the United Kingdom. Rooms are not soundproof, therefore all hands were asked to please hold down the talking in passageways so that off-watch people can sleep. Also, when movies are being played in the crew lounge, the messroom should be used for any conversations or bull sessions. Members were asked to notify the engine department if ex­ cess leakage occurs in their quarters. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next ports; Sollumvoe and Europort. were held on the permanent jobs issue. A motion was made and seconded to keep rotary shipping and to bring va­ cation benefits back to 90 days. The bosun informed the crew that payoff would take place in New York. He also announced a 1.3 percent cost of living (COLA) raise and mentioned that Union dues would be going up slightly. The steward talked about the upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point and noted he has applications for any interested member. He also urged crewmembers to get out and vote in the upcoming elections—to elect can­ didates favorable to the maritime in­ dustry. Fans were requested for the ship and the dryer needs to be fixed. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. Next port: New York. ' Delegate Stephen R. Harrington; Steward Delegate Dana A. Paradise. No disputed OT was reported. There were, however several problems in the deck and steward departments. It ap­ pears that 2nd and 3rd mates and cadets have been working on deckpainting valves and drilling holes. The captain was told by the patrolman in Jacksonville that they would not be allowed to work unless there was un­ limited overtime for the crew. Also, there has been no coffee time for regular men on watches. The steward department feels it badly needs one more person to help out. A letter was received concerning pollution control and prevention. It was read and posted. There was also a discussion on port payoff NAD/or back-dating of articles. It was requested that the captain see the patrolman on arrival. GROTON (Apex Marine), February 26—Chairman Christos Florous; Sec­ retary Marvin Deloatch; Educational ships's fund for a video machine. Lewis Seymour was the winner of the arrival pool, and he donated $25 of his win­ nings to the fund. One man, AB Ruben Salazar, was hurt while workirtgaboard ship and had to be taken off. The bosun reminded crewmembers to read the LOG for news of what's happening in the Union, and the educational di­ rector stressed the importance of up­ grading at Piney Point. One member asked a question pertaining to per­ manent jobs. He asked whether mem­ bers could find out the time needed .aboard ship to qualify for a permanent job or if it only came into effect following the contract. Several reminders were made with regard to the washing ma­ chine. First, clothes are being left in the machine for hours. When doing a wash, stand by and remove the gar­ ments so someone else can then use it. Also, do not wash oily shoes and greasy clothes. C. Beaton and his father wish to thank the crew of the Ogden Charger for the flowers and expressions of sympathy on the death of his sister. Next port: New Jersey. OGDEN WILLAMETTE (Ogden Transport Corp.), February 19—Chair­ man Manrin McDuffie; Secretary B. Guarino; Educational Director R. H. Breeden; Deck Delegate Ronald 8. Davis; Engine Delegate R. Romo; Steward Delegate H. Bryan. No beefs or disputed OT reported. There is $46 in the ship's fund. The bosun an­ nounced that payoff will take place on arrival in Texas City, Texas. He also advised all members to read the LOG to keep up on the latest events within the Union and the maritime industry. The educational director said that there are plenty of movies aboard ship due to the arrival pools every trip. One minute of silence was observed in memory of our departed brothers and sisters. Next port: Panama. Director S. Peiikis; Deck Delegate Mi­ chael Hammock; Steward Delegate Ronald Dawsey. No disputed OT. Everything is running very smoothly, reported the bosun, and there will be a payoff in Stapleton, N.Y. on Feb. 28, A discussion was held on the permar nent jobs issue for all members. Many questions were raised, and it was sug­ gested that they wait for the boarding patrolman to answer all questions. Marvin Deloatch, the secretary, stressed the importance of contributing to SPAD in order to help the Union fight for a stronger merchant marine. The edu­ cational director suggested that crew­ members practice safety at all times. The steward gave the crew a vote of thanks for helping to keep the ship clean. The crew, in turn, gave the steward and the chief cook a vote of thanks for being a good feeder. Next port: Stapleton, N.Y. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Mari­ time Overseas), February 19—Chair­ man C. C. Smith; Secretary T. J.Smith; Educational Director E. Self; Deck Del­ egate L. L. Kunc; Engine Delegate P. J. Andrepont; Steward Delegate Teddy Aldridge. Some disputed OT was re­ ported in all three departments—hav­ ing to do with port time on Lincoln's birthday. The minutes of the last meet­ ing were posted on the bulletin board. Payoff, according to the bosun, will take place on arrival in Baton Rouge on Feb. 27. The educational director stressed that crewmembers take ad­ vantage of the training facilities at Pi­ ney Point. A suggestion was made to supply better—and more—movies alx>ard ship. It was also noted that the mail sen/ice has been very poor and that there are roach problems. The steward thanked the deck department for painting the dry store rooms and the engine department for fixing some needed repairs in the galley. The stew­ ard, in turn, was thanked for providing good food. Next port: Baton Rouge, La. OODEN CHARGER (Ogden Ma­ rine), January 15—Chairman Franz Schwarz; Secretary Simon Gutierez; Educational Director James Babson; Deck Delegate Edward L. Collins; En­ gine Delegate Lewis A. Seymour; Steward Delegate J.C. Mahaffey. No disputed OT. There is $325 in the ROVER (Ocean Carriers), Febru­ ary 12—Chairman S. E. Jansson; Sec­ retary E. Harris; Educational Director D. Sanders; Deck Delegate Sidney Wallace; Engine Delegate Gennaro Esposito; Steward Delegate Frederick Biegel. Some disputed OT was re­ ported in the deck department. There Here's a happy group aboard the LNG Aries. They are, from the left: Steward Felizardo T. Motus; GSU David 0. Reilly; Chief Cook Kim R. DeWitt; GSU Rose McFarlane and GSU Bart S. Beyer. LNG CAPRICORN (Energy Transportation Co.), March 4—Chair­ man Malcolm Woods, Secrfetary C. Shirah; Educational Director J. Busby. There was no disputed OT in any of the three departments. Communica­ tions were received from ETC regard­ ing the cutting of OS and wiper duties. The bosun will contact headquarters for clarification of this, since previously they were told they would get two full hours in and around crew quarters. Also from ETC came information about the new drug check being performed aboard that company's vessels. The secretary reports that everything is .running pretty smoothly and that the pool party went off fairly successfully, it was suggested that all members mail in to headquarters the questionnaires they received pertaining to the upcom­ ing contract negotiations. And in order to help effect changes in our govern­ ment's attitudes toward the maritime industry, the importance of donating to SPAD was stressed. DELTA MAR (Delta Steamship Lines), January 23—Chairman Jack Olsen; Secretary J. Osbey; Educa­ tional Director P. Painter; Deck Dele­ gate William Denney; Engine Delegate Lionel Jackson; Steward Delegate Paul Burke. There was a lot of disputed OT in the steward department as well as a beef about work not related to routine duty. A letter was sent to "Red" Camp­ bell concerning this matter. There is $34.40 in the ship's fund. The bosun reported the loss of one crewmember. Brother Gilbert Essberg, who died on Jan. 10 in the port of Santos, Brazil. All members moum his death. And one man, a wiper aboard the ship, missed the vessel on the New Orleans to Houston run. Several suggestions were brought up. One was to see the port steward about getting fresh cook­ ies and cereal when storing the ship. The other was to see the ship chandler about getting fresh cigarettes. Next port: New Orleans, La. CHARLESTON (Apex Marine), January 29—Chairman Allan Rogers; Secretary Robert S. Hess. Some dis­ puted OT was reported in the deck and engine departments. Discussions FALCON CHAMPION (Titan Navigation), February 6—Chairman John Chermesino; Secretary Paul Cox; Educational Director Earl Macon; Deck Delegate Richard Bradford; Engine 36/LOG/April 1984 mm m �I-:.::.. Digest of Ships Nestings ping industry. Everyone should be aware of that. Next port: Seattle, Wash. is $21 in the ship's fund. The bosun announced that the Rover is expected to discharge in Long Island. The ship should be tied up by 8:00 a.m., and payoff will take place the following morning (Wednesday) when relief ar­ rives. Everyone will be paid through Wednesday. The next trip will be to Aruba. All members should turn in their books to the patrolman to be checked. Anyone getting off in Long Island should turn in their linen and room keys and leave their room clean for the next person. The educational director re­ minded all hands to be safety con­ scious—aware of any hazards that may exist aboard ship. Several sug­ gestions were made. One was that all SlU ships carry BID welders instead of having to use shoreside welders. This is especially important when work has to be done while the ship is at sea. Another suggestion was to get a new laser movie machine for the crew. As it stands now, crew +iave to go to the officers lounge to put on a disc in order for movies to be played through the crevy TV—and this is only when the officers are not using their ma­ chine. it was also suggested that the patrolman-clarify article 3, section 8 of the contract for the deck department and that the membership take a vote on whether they want permanent jobs or not. Next port: Long Island. SEA-LAND ADVENTURER (SeaLand Service), February 26—Chair­ man J. Justus: Secretary C. Diaz. No beefs or disputed OT in the deck and engine departments. From the steward delegate comes word that the captain is cutting down on overtime. There will be no more OT for the weekly cleaning of ice boxes, and only 2 hours a month for cleaning the galiey boxes. He also cut out one hour (from 4 to 3) for defrosting and cleaning the boxes at the end of the trip. There was also some disputed time with regard to delayed sailing from a member of the steward department. The bosun re­ minded all hands that they are all needed on fire and boat drills. He also expressed the need for more heat in the rooms and that the 2nd deck pas­ sageway deck tiles be fixes. The sec­ retary reported that the safety meet­ ings are not being taken seriously and that suggestions are made, but nothing is ever done. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department. The ship is clean and looking much better all around—keep it that way! SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), February 12—Chair­ man L. C. Cope; Secretary J. Doyle. No disputed OT was reported. There is $116 in the ship's movie fund. COLA raise rates were received and posted. The bosun noted that there are many different rules and regulations for dif­ ferent countries. These have also been posted oh the bulletin board. Crewmembers should read them and fa­ miliarize themselves with them. The steward brought up the fact that some hands are saying that he has a master key for all rooms. This fact was denied by the steward. He said he only has a master key for steward department rooms. The captain attended the meet­ ing and clarified his orders to the effect that anyone who keeps his room locked will have to keep the room cleaned by himself. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Service), February 5— Chairman W. Mortier; Secretary Roy Thomas; Deck Delegate Eugene R. Cenato; Engine Delegate Rafael Ma­ tes; Steward Delegate Peter A. Siems. No disputed OT. There is $205 in the ship's fund. Everything is running smoothly, announced the bosun, with no beefs reported by the department delegates. He gave a talk on the im­ portance of contributing to SPAD. The Union and the membership need your donations now more than ever, so if you want to have porkchops with your red beans, "get in there at payoff and donate to your Union." One minute of silence was observed in memory of our departed brothers and sisters. Next port: Eiizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), March 4—Chairman V. Poulsen; Secretary C. M. Modellas; Educational Director 8. Reamey; Deck Delegate Donald D. Howard; Engine Delegate Patrick J. Donovan. No dis­ puted OT was reported in any of the three departments. Following a read­ ing of the previous minutes, a discus­ sion was held about the Seafarers Welfare and Pension Plans. Some members voiced their strong opinions as to what will happen to the plans in the future since shipping is slowing down. It was agreed that something has got to be done—and soon. The secretary reminded memtjers of the upcoming presidential election. Since Reagan took office, this administration has done nothing to improve the ship­ SEA-LAND PACER (Sea-Land Service), February 19—Chairman Manuel Silva; Secretary D. G. Chafin; Educational Director George A. Roy; Deck Delegate John M. Cataldo; En­ gine Delegate Cliff Akers; Steward Del­ egate J. E. Mortinger. Some disputed OT was reported in the deck depart­ ment due to a delayed sailing. There is $20.60 in the popcorn fund. The chairman thanked the crew for their cooperation this voyage and for help­ ing everything to run smoothly. All communications were posted. No def­ inite word is yet available on next port or payoff. In the meantime, the chair­ man reminded members to keep their feet off the furniture and bulkheads in the crew lounge. A request was made for more—and better—movies. And a question was asked as to whether the COLA raise is retroactive and whether it will be paid by mail or at payoff. Another question was asked as to how the proposed permanent jobs will af­ fect unemployment compensation and whether there will be a medical relief clause. The answers to these ques­ tions will come out at the conclusion of the crews conference. The captain commended the chief steward and his department for their cleanliness and good order of reefers and stores. And thanks was given to the cook/baker for the pizza pie—which he made out­ side of his working hours. One minute of silence was observed in memory of our departed brothers and sisters. ULTRA SEA (Apex Marine), Feb­ ruary 26—Chairman W. Robinson; Secretary E. Hagger; Educational Di­ rector R. Kirton. No disputed OT, al­ though there was a beef in the deck department about working in the cargo area. This wiil be taken up with the patrolman at payoff. At the present time it is not known where the ship is heading. Payoff is scheduled for Feb. 29 in either Houston or New Orleans. The captain assured the bosun that as soon as he got any more information, he would let him know. The educa­ tional director talked about the oppor­ tunities for upgrading at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship in Piney Point, Md. A vote of thanks was given to the steward de­ partment for the best of food and a very clean department. Next port: Houston, Texas or New Orleans, La. WORTH (Apex Marine), February 6—Chairman James R. Colson; Deck Delegate Felix A. Santiago. There was some disputed OT reported in the engine department. The chairman said that for four years now, it has been reported to the chief engineer and the master that the ice box in the crew mess doesn't work and also that there is no way to get hot water for tea or cocoa. Nothing has been done. Crewmembers were asked to stay ogt of the officer's mess, and officers, in turn, were asked to stay out of the crew's mess. Other than that, everything seems to be running well. Official ships minutes were also re­ ceived from the following vessels. AOONIS AMGO VOYAGER AMERICAN EAGLE BUTTON GWINNEH COVE SAILOR COVE TRADER DELTA NORTE DELTA SUO GOLDEN ENDEAVOR INGER INGLEO OGOEN HUDSON OVERSEAS WASHINGTON PANAMA PRIDE OF TEXAS SEA-LAND CONSUMER SEA-LAND ECONOMY SEA-LAND PATRIOT SEA-LAND PIONEER SEA-IANO VENTURE SEA-LAND VOYAGER WALTER RICE Monthly Membership Meetings Port New York........... Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Algonac Houston New Orleans Mobile San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Piney Point San Juan St. Louis Honolulu Duluth Gloucester Jersey City Date • Monday, May 7 . .Tuesday, May 8 - . .Wednesday, May 9 Thursday, May 10 Thursday, May 10 Friday, May 11 .Monday, May 14 Tuesday, May 15 Wednesday, May 16 Thursday, May 17 Monday, May 21 Friday, May 25 Friday, May 11 Thursday, May 10 Friday, May 18 Thursday, May 10 Wednesday, May 16 Tuesday, May 22 • .Wednesday, May 23 Deep Sea Lakes, Inland Waters 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. . 2:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. April 1984/LOG/37 �rawf . •- , '1 liOO Hakes Gtood Beading . .• • m Iietters To The Editor rf> ; ^ "V i' Having left the sea in 1948,1 have epjcyed every Issue of the LOG. It helps me keep up with the workings of the Union and my old seafaring buddies. Was glad to read that Alaskan oil will remain In this country. Good work on the Union's efforts.... Looking forward to fbrther editions of the LOG. 1 would hope that the new survival suits are easier to handle than the rubber zoot suits we had during the war. Many a sailor hung upside down In the water because he forgot to squeeze the air out before jumping In the water. •^' )•— rif'' :e ^Encouraging News . . •' Nil AJ il fi My 8-hour watch ahoard the M.V. American Eagle has gone a long way toward making this active duty for training one of my most memorable after 36 years of active and Inactive duty. As I reported onboard to relieve the MSG Cargo Eiepresentatlve, I was Introduced to the ship's master, Capt. J. Hanaghan, and given a tour of the cargo and office spaces. Physically, the American Eagle is the most shipshape vessel I have encoimtered In all my years, and considering the fact that including the master there are a mere 21 persons aboard, this to me was nothing short of phenomenal. During my watch, I had occasion to speaJt with several crewmembers from the master down to and including members of the steward department. All questions were courteously and thoroughly answered. Crewmembers always appeared to be willing to help me either ofQclally or unofficially With all crewmembers being civilians, I had expected a somewhat cavalier attitude toward our "war games." However, this was definitely not the case. The crew of the American Eagle had a very positive "can do" attitude, and It was made very clear to me both orally and by their actions. Their feeling Is we work for MSG and we will do the job. At the risk of being redimdant, I must repeat that this time aboard the American Eagle was a highlight in my naval career. If it becomes necessary for me to ever go to sea again, it would do wonders for my morale to serve aboard such a vessel. Tours tmly. Ken Hurley Saugus, Mass. 'SHI.SS Training Pays Off ' 1 was working on a fishing tug in Lake Superior on the 1st of March. That evening we were anchored on the north end of Devil's Island, just eating and playing some cards. The Ice came In real fast. Our ship was thrown onto the hard Ice, and we were stranded at a 35° list for two days. The Coast Guard came, and on the 3rd of March the ship was freed. 1 was lAken off the ship by hehcopter and taken to Ironwood, Mich, because by finger was cut and sore. The ship was pushed in at the hull and had two damaged ribs. 1 am glad to be alive ... 1 had taken the lifeboat course at the Seafarers [Harry Lundeberg] School [of Seamanship]. It helped me to think of what we needed to do to survive. There were three of us onboard—Cecil Peterson, Lawrence Soulier and myself. Thanks for the training. Sincerely, David J. Cuxran C-16S4 Basrtield, Wis. Creiv Helps indigent Seamen Sincerely yours, H.D. Orazier, USUH-R Sterling Heights, Mich. 'Retiree Stays in Toncli. . fl' t- . ;,• I'l Jf. Keep the LOG coming! I have been retired 11 years and enjqy reading about old shipmates of the past years as well as all the yoimg men coming into the Union. I survived the sinking of the SS Sam Houston on June 28, 1942, and have many memories of World War 11. Best of luck to all my old Brothers! David Knight Naples, Fla. 'tf SlU West Coast Vice President George McCartney (I.) presents a check In the amount of $472.25 to Rev. John P. Heaney (center), director of the Apostleship of the Sea. The money was donated by the crew of the SS Santa Mercedes. At right Is Gentry Moore, San Francisco patrolman. NO ONB U/^£S TO WORK WITH A dUNK/B a VOU'Rf A PROFBSSIOm. SBAMAN RULB NARCOTICS OUT/ ,\yf I 'jf' Ir: 38/LOG/April 1984 �I- i--.-:' •- [I The Plans ^ File Claims Right the First Time For the past four months the Seafarers LOG has taken a thor­ ough look at the nation's crisis in medical care and costs, and how it affects both the SIU and the country. Nobody disagrees that medi­ cal care costs too much money. Without some kind of insurance or health and welfare plan, the average working man and woman cannot afford what should be a basic human right. Starting this month (see story page 28), there is a detailed look at what the Seafarers Welfare Plan provides for its thousands of members. For a plan that began only 33 years ago with very few benefits, the Seafarers Welfare Plan has grown into a model of coverage which pro­ vides protection of the best kind. While the growth of the Plans show that the SIU and Plans' trustees take their responsibili­ ties seriously, Seafarers must do the same. Nobody likes to fill out forms, but they must be filled out prop­ erly or your claim can be de­ layed. If you don't know what you need or where to find the proper forms, talk to the SIU field representative in your home port. He will explain the process and show you how to do it. Next month the LOG will show you how to file a claim, what documents you need, and why claims are delayed or denied. In the meantime, check for your­ self. It means quicker benefits for you and for everybody. Crews Conference A Framework For the Future When SIU members arrived at the Crews Conference at Piney Point on March 25, they carried more with them than their lug­ gage. They carried different opinions and ideas of what the SIU needs in the future. They carried with them the special problems of their particular home ports, and they carried with them responsibility to hammer out a path for the next deep sea con­ tract. And, most importantly, they carried with them their ex­ perience and their concern for the future of their Union. They did a remarkable job. As in any organization, everyone knows the problems, and Seafarers spend hours and days telling stories of how things used to be, of problems getting jobs, of problems on the ships, of problems with the Plans and even of problems in the Union. But problems are a lot easier to find than solutions. The 69 delegates who spent two weeks at Piney Point may 1984 SIU Crews Conference and Recommendations to the Membership A videotape on the 1984 SIU Crews Conference will be shown in all ports Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice to give our membership an opportunity to see and hear the discussions. Videotapes of the conference will also be brought aboard ships at payoff, and on visits of ships in transit. The videotapes will show: • Opening remarks on the purpose and goals of the con­ ference. Frank Drozak. • Membership dues; working dues; maintenance of mem­ bership services. Joe DiGiorgio. _ • SIU Pension and Welfare programs. Leo Bonser, MU Plans administrator; Carolyn Gentile, special counsel. • SIU Shipping Rules, Contract, and Constitution. Angus "Rec/" CampM/, vice president. • Political action and legislative programs. arianne Rogers, national political director; Frank Pecquex, legis­ lative director. • Recommendations of the Crews Conference. • Summary and conclusions. Frank Drozak. not have found all the answers, because the biggest problems— the economy and the lack of a national maritime policy—are out of our hands. But they made a pretty good start. „ They listened, they dis­ cussed, they argued and they disagreed about the contract, the SIU Constitution, the Plans, permanent jobs, health care, manpower and training, and dozens of other issues. But in the end they agreed. They .charted a course for the future. They gave the SIU leadership a platform, a framework to ne­ gotiate with in the upcoming contract talks. In an era when most unions are forced to give away hard-earned benefits, the delegates provided the Union with a position that will allow the SIU not just to hold fast in the face of bad times, but to work toward improving the con­ ditions under which the whole Union works. Not a bad two weeks work. They Represented You These Delegates, elected by you, took on the tough task of charting a responsible course for the future of our organization. Workshop #2 Workshop #1 NAME DEPT. PORT NAME DEPT. PORT Otto Pederson, Chairman Jim Golder, Secretary Robert Gorbea Don Pressley Robert Larsen Scott Getman Robert Campbell Ken Gahagan Charles D'Amico Bernard Turk Ned Oliver Joseph Bennett Terry Smith Frank Conway James Noonan Richard Thoe Dairy Sanders Deck New Orleans Deck San Francisco Steward Brooklyn Steward Seattle Deck Deck Engine Engine Steward Deck Deck Engine Engine Steward Steward Engine Steward Deck Engine Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston New Orleans New Orleans Mobile Mobile Fred Olsen, Chairman Ed Tinsley, Secretary Frank Rodriguez Ollie Johannisson Gerald Payne Richard Almojera Robert Outlaw Conrad Gauthier Vem Paulson Ronald Swanson Thomas Kenny Marion Beeching Hal Welch Marvin Garrison William Smith Tom Vain Webb Williams Deck Deck Engine Engine Steward Steward Deck Engine Steward Deck Engine | Steward Deck Deck Steward Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn Seattle Seattle Jacksonville Houston San Francisco San Francisco Wilmington Baltimore Mobile Workshop #4 Workshop #3 NAME DEPT. PORT NAME DEPT. PORT Anthony Palino, Chairman Vic Romolo, Secretary Alfred Tousignant Robert Ross Andrew Boney Virgilio Reyes Joe Morrison David Eby George Bramneran Duke Duet AI Ragnoni Robert Frazier Manuel Sanchez John Fedesovich Wilbert Williams George Harrison John Bluitt Deck San Francisco Deck Gloucester Steward San Francisco Steward Algonac Engine Baltimore Deck Piney Point Steward Deck Engine Deck Steward Engine Philadelphia Norfolk San Francisco Wilmington Baltimore Philadelphia Deck Engine Steward Deck Engine Steward Engine Deck St. Louis Algonac Gloucester Puerto Rico New Orleans St. Louis Norfolk Algonac Joe Donovan, Chairman Paul Franco, Secretary Marshall McGregor J. B. Harris Glenn Hutton David Smith Kelly Cook Joe King Donald Leight Charles Herrera John Young Max Simpson Charles Rice Robert Sullivan George Malone Tom Rodriguez Ben Laureano William Smith Steward Engine Steward Engine Engine Engine Deck Steward Engine Steward Engine Steward Engine Steward Steward Norfolk Piney Point Piney Point St. Louis Wilmington Gloucester New Orleans New Orleans Jacksonville Jacksonville Houston Houston Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Philadelphia April 1984/LOG/39 �On The Ogden Missouri Steward/Baker Roberto "BeBop" Ferrandiz (foreground) and Gary Correy, steward utility, pose in their sparkling galley on the Ogden Mis­ souri (Ogden Marine). AB Chad Gait is at the wheel of the Ogden Missouri. i: X :! T• QMED John Anderson keeps in shape by jogging along the deck of the Ogden Missouri. Dempster Re-elected SUP Chief; SlU Convention Delegates, Union Officers also Elected President - Secretary - Treas­ was Duane Hewitt; No. 3 was urer Paul Dempster of the Sail­ Knud B. Andersen, and Tanker ors Union of the Pacific (SUP) Business Agent was Kaj Kristensen. was re-elected to that post last Elected Seattle Branch Agent month for the 1984-1985 term was John Battles; Business with a full slate of officers at Agent, Morris Secrest; Portland their headquarters in the port of (Ore.) Agent was Ray Murphy; San Francisco. Following the election SIU Wilmington Agent was Charles President Frank Drozak said: Russo; Business Agent was Wil­ "... (we) extend our sincere liam "Bill" Ahia; New York congratulations to you as pres­ Agent was William Armstrong; Honolulu Agent was William O. ident upon your re-election and Smith, and New Orleans Agent to the newly elected officers of was Henry Johansen. the Sailors Union of the Pacific Elected as delegates to the as well." Elected vice president-assist­ SIU Convention at the end of ant secretary-treasurer was Jack May at Piney Point were: John Ryan; San Francisco Business Battles, Paul Dempster, Gunnar Agent No. 1 was Gunnar Lun- Lundeberg, Charles Russo and deberg; San Francisco Agent 2 Jack Ryan. ABSEBICAN IS BBAuxirUL •uvAmsrleoB... and look for tho Union Uiboj_ . 40/LOG/April 1984 urnoriifttft AKPSPivtCf TmotsotyMTMtwT. AfL-ciQ NMU Tanker Explodes and Sinks 5 Dead, 2 Missing in Gulf Blast A terrific No. 3 forward tank blast aboard the 661-foot tanker ST American Eagle (American Foreign) early on Feb. 26 in the Gulf instantly killed Bosun James "Jack" Campbell, Chief Pump­ man Roy Carter and Chief Mate Edward Mallon and severely in­ jured Radio Officer Fred Conklin and AB Richard Poole on wheelwatch. Thirty hours later, dead in the water while awaiting a tow, the tanker split in two and sank 180 miles southwest of the port of New Orleans. Chief Steward Andrew Fotopoulos drowned and Steward Utility Antone Syl­ via died of injuries sustained when the vessel's bow and aft sank in heavy gale-tossed seas. AB Steger Bumey and OS Earsel Warren were reported missing. Twenty-three survi­ vors were rescued by oil rig boats and treated for exposure. The tremendous explosion heavily damaged the navigation deck, radio shack and crew and officers' quarters amidship, cut­ ting off communication with passing ships, offshore oil rig crew and supply boats and land. Crewmembers tried to use an inoperable ship-to-ship marine radio to send out distress sig­ nals, but Engineman Gene Ayler used a mirror on deck to flash signals to a British freighter which sent out the SOS. The crew launched one life­ boat as the ship drifted toward an oil rig picking up Capt. Pow­ ers, the chief mate and other shipmates from the oil-slicked, freezing water. Oil rig crew and supply boats Enterprise, Lib­ erator and Starlight also picked up survivors, including Engineman Earl Evans, Sam Winbum, Vincente De Lima, Jose Del Rio, James Sattler, Angel Vasquez. Chief Engineer Eccles and 3rd Engineer O'Neill. � 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 1980-1989 Description An account of the resource Volumes XLII-LI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present 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 April 1984 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ALASKAN OIL FIGHT SHOWED THAT UNITY CAN WORK SIU STOPS USER FEE MOVE DROZAK SAYS NEW CDS BILL IS ONLY A 'FIRST STEP' SIU FISHERMEN'S AFFILIATES TO MEET MAY 27 IN PINEY POINT SIU SCHEDULES 3 SONAT CREW'S CONFERENCES 14 INLAND CONTRACTS ARE IN NEGOTIATIONS IN 5 PORT AREAS SIU HITS DIXIE CARRIERS ON MANY FRONTS NLRB RULES AGAINST ACBL, AGAIN GREAT LAKES FITOUT '84 SIU WINS NEW CRANE SHIP, 10 MORE TO BE BID GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN TAKEN TO MISSOURI AB'S QUICK ACTION SAVES SHIPMATE SIU CREWS CONFERENCE CHARTS COURSE TO ACHIEVE JOB SECURITY FOR ALL SEAFARERS CREWS CONFERENCE REFLECTS VIEWS & HOPES OF MEMBERSHIP SIU CREWS CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS SIU WIVES TAKE ACTIVE PART IN CHARTING UNION'S FUTURE SS INDEPENDENCE & CONSTITUTION CREWMEMBERS UPGRADE THEIR SKILLS AT SHLSS SEAFARERS PLANS: A LOOK AT WELFARE BENEFITS ON THE OGDEN MISSOURI DEMPSTER RE-ELECTED SUP CHIEF; SIU CONVENTION DELEGATES, UNION OFFICERS ALSO ELECTED NMU TANKER EXPLODES AND SINKS 5 DEAD, 2 MISSING IN GULF BLAST 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 4/1/1984 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. 46, No. 4 1984 Periodicals Seafarers Log