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August 2012
(PDF - 0.34M)
Bipartisan legislation to restore U.S.-flag cargo preference for global food aid introduced
In the wake of the major set back suffered by the U.S. maritime industry when Congress passed a bill in June that included a provision that slashed the statutory U.S.-flag share of international food aid cargo from 75% to 50%, Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) and Congressman Jeff Landry (R-Louisiana) introduced legislation on July 24, to repeal the onerous provision and restore U.S.-flag food aid cargo preference to 75% of cargoes carried.
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July 2012
(PDF - 0.86M)
U.S. MERCHANT MARINE AMBUSHED
Republican stealth attack slashes American cargo preference requirement for international food aid
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June 2012
(PDF - 0.46M)
TWIC holders get a break
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a major policy change regarding the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
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May 2012
(PDF - 0.37M)
Jones Act violator is fined but work lost for Americans
The largest fine ever imposed for a Jones Act violation was upheld by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) against Escopeta Oil
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April 2012
(PDF - 0.42M)
Cabotage enemies in Guam and Hawai’i seek legislation to amend the Jones Act
The Jones Act is under attack again, with a Guam politician sponsoring legislation that seeks to dilute the cabotage statute after Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) failed in a new bid to get the law abolished last month.
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March 2012
(PDF - 0.32M)
AFL-CIO endorses Obama for a second term
On March 13, the AFL-CIO Executive Council “voted proudly and enthusiastically” to endorse President Barack Obama for a second term.
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February 2012
(PDF - 0.32M)
In defense of the Jones Act
The Jones Act is under stronger assault now than ever before. Foreign and homegrown interests have unleashed arrows in the direction of the U.S. Congress, demanding it to let foreign-flag ships in on your coastwise operations.
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January 2012
(PDF - 0.50M)
Panic and chaos onboard after Italian cruiseship runs aground and capsizes
The Italian-flag cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground on the island of Giglio in the Tyrrenian Sea on Friday, January 13, nine miles off Italy’s Tuscan coast — capsizing and beginning to sink.
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December 2011
(PDF - 0.38M)
Matson slated to depart Alexander & Baldwin
On December 1, Alexander & Baldwin, the Hawai’i-based land company with interests in real estate development, commercial real estate and agriculture, announced it will spin-off its wholly owned subsidiary—Matson Navigation Company.
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November 2011
(PDF - 0.41M)
Maritime Administration needs new leadership
Tasked by Congress over a year ago to produce a report identifying ways to boost American-flag shipping, the Maritime Administration has issued a report, written by Price Waterhouse Coopers, that does the opposite.
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October 2011
(PDF - 0.36M)
Transparency sought in MarAd Jones Act waiver procedures
Legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 14, that would require MarAd to publish the availability of U.S.-flag, U.S.-built, U.S-crewed (Jones Act) vessels when another federal agency asks to use non-U.S.-flag vessels.
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September 2011
(PDF - 0.85M)
Jones Act waivers draw fire from industry and Congress
Notwithstanding the availability of U.S.-flag, Jones Act-qualified tonnage, the Maritime Administration recently issued a series of non-availability rulings that have resulted in more than 45 waivers of the Jones Act.
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August 2011
(PDF - 0.39M)
Matson’s foreign-flag fleet flops
Matson Navigation Company pulled the plug on August 8, on its five ship foreign-flag liner fleet after hemorrhaging millions of dollars.
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July 2011
(PDF - 0.53M)
Republican anti-cabotage bill would decimate American-flag passenger vessel industry
Congressman Farenthold (R-Texas)
and Presidential Assistant Congressman Paul (R-Texas) introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would allow foreign-flag passenger vessels to embark passengers in one U.S. port and disembark them in another U.S. port.
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June 2011
(PDF - 0.68M)
Members of House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation express strong support for Jones Act
Members of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation said the Jones Act is critical to the national, economic, and homeland security needs of our country.
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May 2011
(PDF - 0.40M)
Piracy and flags of convenience: both lawless maritime enterprises
Piracy is the current scourge of the waters off Somalia, but the longstanding bane on the industry has been the existence of the rotten flag-of-convenience system that exploits mariners worldwide.
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April 2011
(PDF - 0.52M)
Maritime industry blasts proposal to transfer RRF from MARAD to MSC
An ill-conceived proposal floated by the Defense Department to transfer ownership and operational control of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Fleet to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, prompted a response in opposition to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
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March 2011
(PDF - 0.40M)
April 4 Nationwide Day of Action and Solidarity
In the wake of Union-busting assaults on worker’s rights to bargain collectively, the AFL-CIO, state labor federations and local labor councils have mobilized for a day of action and solidarity across the United States on Monday, April 4.
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February 2011
(PDF - 0.34M)
Republicans declare war on organized labor
Governor Walker and the Republican
majorities in Wisconsin’s State Assembly and Senate laid out a plan in a so-called “budget repair bill” to bust the state’s public employee Unions by denying their 200,000 plus members collective bargaining rights.
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January 2011
(PDF - 0.34M)
Jones Act did not hinder Gulf cleanup
A report requested by President Obama and prepared by the non-partisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling confirms the Jones Act in no way prevented or hindered cleanup efforts following the disaster.
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December 2010
(PDF - 0.29M)
Somalis convicted of piracy by federal jury
A U.S. jury convicted Somali men of piracy on the high seas, the first such verdict in an American court in 149 years, for shooting at a U.S. Navy warship disguised as a merchant vessel.
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November 2010
(PDF - 0.40M)
Federal deficit panel proposes
The preliminary report of the so-called bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released on November 10, proposes drastic cuts to the critical economic lifelines for working people.
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October 2010
(PDF - 0.63M)
Congressman Cummings champions U.S. merchant marine on Capitol Hill
The U.S. Merchant Marine has been an integral factor in building a secure and wealthy nation since its birth. But, it has fallen on hard times since the 1970s due to weak government policies.
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September 2010
(PDF - 0.43M)
U.S. Navy opposes McCain’s Jones Act repeal legislation
The United States Navy issued a strongly worded statement opposing Senator John McCain’s (R-Arizona) legislation to repeal the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920.
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August 2010
(PDF - 0.27M)
Matson initiates foreign-flag service from China to the Pacific Coast
Matson Navigation Company has expanded its China service, but without American mariners or U.S.-flag, U.S.-built vessels.
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July 2010
(PDF - 0.38M)
Jones Act repeal sought by McCain
Using the false pretext that the Jones Act is hampering the cleanup efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, Senator John McCain (R-Arizona introduced legislation on June 25, to repeal this critically important piece of maritime legislation that provides employment for 500,000 American workers.
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June 2010
(PDF - 0.45M)
Patriot Contract Services awarded Military Sealift Command vessel
SUP-contracted Patriot Contract Services was the successful bidder late last month to operate and maintain the Military Sealift Command’s Maritime prepositioning Force vessel USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin.
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May 2010
(PDF - 0.43M)
“Sail In” brings maritime issues to the forefront with Congress
The maritime industry came out in force in Washington, D.C. on May 13, to increase Capitol Hill awareness of the importance of America’s maritime industry to the economic and national security of the United States...
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April 2010
(PDF - 0.69M)
California labor movement endorses Edmund “Jerry” Brown for Governor
Meeting in its Pre-Pri-mary Convention in San Jose, California, on April 14, delegates of the 2.1 million-member California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, endorsed Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown for Governor citing his longtime pro labor record.
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March 2010
(PDF - 0.99M)
Maritime labor and agricultural interests united in support of sustained funding for food aid
On March 19, an ad hoc coalition, including the Sailors’ Union, submitted testimony to House Appropriation’s Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies on the importance of sustained Congressional funding for food aid.
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March 2010
(PDF - 1.86M)
Sailors’ Union of the Pacific 125th Anniversary
A history of the Sailors’Union of the Pacific, particularly one marking its 125th anniversary, cannot begin without a preface: the conditions seamen worked under during the latter half of the 19th century.
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February 2010
(PDF - 0.79M)
SUP-crewed P/V Drake joins San Francisco Bar Pilot fleet
At a ceremony on February 17, at San
Francisco’s Pier 9, officiated by Captain Peter McIsaac, Port Agent for the Pilots, the Drake was christened by Monique Moyer, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco
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January 2010
(PDF - 0.77M)
APL Turquoise reflagged for Suez Express Service
The Sailors’ Union crewed another APL Marine Services vessel when the APL Turquoise was flagged from Singapore to United States registry on December 29, in Charleston, South Carolina.
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December 2009
(PDF - 0.71M)
Matson vindicated in Jones Act litigation
SUP-contracted Matson Navigation Company this month won a decisive victory in federal court which saved the roll-on/roll-off, lift-on/lift-off vessel Mokihana from being banned from the domestic (Jones Act) trades.
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November 2009
(PDF - 0.52M)
Election Supplement
Election Supplement
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November 2009
(PDF - 0.71M)
Merchant Marine lauded at Veteran’s Day observance
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, speaking at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., singled out the achievements of the merchant marine.
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October 2009
(PDF - 0.77M)
International shipowners and Unions agree to wage freeze
Seafarer wages have been frozen until some time next year, following an agreement between representatives of many leading shipowners and the main maritime trade Unions.
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September 2009
(PDF - 0.92M)
AFL-CIO Convention charts a bold course for America’s workers
Delegates to the AFL-CIO’s Convention in Pittsburgh enthusiastically adopted an ambitious series of resolutions that set forth a strategy aimed at restarting the economy and creating and sustaining good jobs.
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August 2009
(PDF - 0.87M)
Why we need health care reform
Our nation is now engaged in a great debate about the future of health care in America. Millions of Americans quietly struggle every day with a system that often works better for the health-insurance companies than it does for them.
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July 2009
(PDF - 1.09M)
USCG blasted for mariner credential delays and medical review process
Members of the House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation expressed disappointment during a hearing on July 9, concerning the time necessary for the Coast Guard to process Merchant Mariner Credentials and license processing.
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June 2009
(PDF - 0.96M)
Pacific Coast Maritime Strike of 1934 observed next month
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Pacific Coast Maritime Strike of 1934 and the General Strike in San Francisco—events which sparked the resurgence of the maritime labor movement and the labor movement as a whole.
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May 2009
(PDF - 0.83M)
World War II merchant mariner benefits bill passes House of Representatives
Bob Filner (D-California), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced on May 12, that the full House of Representatives by voice vote, had passed legislation to assist U.S. merchant mariners of World War II. This is the fifth time the bill has been submitted to Congress by Chairman Filner.
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April 2009
(PDF - 0.75M)
SUP aboard two more APL ships
As the West Coast Sailors goes to press, SUP sailors are preparing to board the APL Agate in Norfolk, Virginia, where the vessel will be reflagged from Singapore to U.S.-flag. Next month the same thing will occur in the APL Japan.
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March 2009
(PDF - 0.92M)
Coast Guard issues ruling to consolidate merchant mariner credential regulations
On March 16 the U.S. Coast Guard issued a final rule to consolidate the regulations covering the issuance of merchant mariner qualification credentials, to reduce the burden on mariners
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February 2009
(PDF - 0.72M)
Executive orders and legislation begin to reverse Bush anti-worker directives
President Obama wasted no time in beginning to fulfill his campaign pledges to assist American workers.
On January 29, he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act which reversed a 2007 Supreme Court Decision on discriminatory pay practices
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January 2009
(PDF - 0.76M)
Employee Free Choice Act pits labor against capital
The financial markets are in tatters, consumer spending is anemic and the recession continues to deepen, but corporate America is keeping its eyes on the prize: crushing organized labor.
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December 2008
(PDF - 0.81M)
Unemployment soars as a half million jobs lost in November
Unemployment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released on December 5, show a mind-numbing 533,000 jobs lost in November, the largest monthly jobs loss in 34 years.
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November 2008
(PDF - 0.76M)
California Voyager joins Chevron’s U.S.-flag fleet with Sailors’ Union aboard in all unlicensed departments
Chevron Shipping Company added another vessel to its growing U.S.-flag operation this month when the California Voyager joined the fleet.
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October 2008
(PDF - 0.80M)
Protect & Defend Our Work! Vote Obama for President
The future growth and viability of the U.S.-flag fleet and the jobs of American maritime workers in all segments of our industry depend heavily and directly on the election of Senator Barack Obama.
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September 2008
(PDF - 0.79M)
Problems with TWIC outlined at House Sub-committee hearing
At the request of the maritime Unions —SUP, MM&P, MEBA, ILA and ILWU— affiliated with the AFL-CIO’s TTD, Laura Moskowitz, staff attorney for the Oakland, California-based National Employment Law Project, testified on September 17 before the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Counterterrorism chaired by Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-California).
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August 2008
(PDF - 0.93M)
Wal-Mart warns company workers of Democratic victory—Unions file complaint with federal gov’t
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is mobilizing its store managers and department supervisors to warn that if Democrats win power in November, they’ll likely change federal law to make it easier for workers to Unionize...
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July 2008
(PDF - 0.86M)
Agreement reached with Matson Navigation Company
After 18 protracted and often contentious bargaining sessions plus many Union caucuses, the Sailors’ Union, MFOW and SIU-Marine Cooks, successfully concluded negotiations with Matson Navigation Company.
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June 2008
(PDF - 0.67M)
Little progress made with Matson as bargaining deadline looms; SUP membership approves strike resolution
While negotiations between the SUP, MFOW, and SIU-Marine Cooks and Matson Navigation Company are ongoing, no significant headway has been made.
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May 2008
(PDF - 0.82M)
Labor presses U.S. Senate for passage of World War II mariner benefits bill
Legislation that would provide long overdue compensation to U.S. merchant marine veterans of World War II remains bottled-up in the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee; “The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act” (S.961).
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April 2008
(PDF - 0.73M)
Maritime Security from the viewpoint of maritime labor
A maritime security regime is judged not only on how effectively it protects the workplace from potential terrorists acts, but what affect the security regime has on the efficiency of the maritime transportation system that provides our livelihood...
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March 2008
(PDF - 0.95M)
U.N. agency says NLRB violates workers’ rights
A key international agency ruled on March 19, that the Bush Administration’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is denying workers’ rights in violation of international labor standards.
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February 2008
(PDF - 0.77M)
AFL-CIO blasts Bush’s FY‘09 budget proposal
President Bush’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2009, is a slap in the face to America’s working families who are already struggling to get by in an economy sinking under the weight of this Administration’s disastrous policies.
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January 2008
(PDF - 0.76M)
SUP-contracted company awarded two Military Sealift Command vessels
Patriot Contract Services was notified by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command late last month that it was successful in its bid to operate two Special Mission Ships —USNS Hayes and USNS Waters.
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December 2007
(PDF - 0.74M)
Former DOT Secretary Mineta calls for complete overhaul of federal maritime policy
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta this month called for a sweeping overhaul of federal maritime policy that would be centered in a revitalized Maritime Administration to preserve national economic strength.
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November 2007
(PDF - 0.72M)
APL to redeploy U.S.-flag vessels to North Asia run
American President Lines announced this month that it intends to shift its U.S.-flag C-11-type vessels (APL China, APL Korea, APL Philippines, APL Thailand, APL Singapore) to a new 38-day Pacific Coast Express service that will call Los Angeles, Oakland, Japan, Korea and three ports in North China.
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November 2007
(PDF - 0.66M)
Election Supplement
Election of Officers and
Constitution Referendum
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October 2007
(PDF - 0.68M)
Transportation Workers’ ID credential implemented
The required documentation for professional mariners just got a lot tougher.
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September 2007
(PDF - 0.78M)
Cargo preference opponents target food aid in U.S.-flag ships
The fight to scuttle a Bush Administration 2008 budget proposal to divert 25% of food aid shipments from the United States to cash under Public Law 480 Title II Food for Peace program, has shifted to the Senate. The House of Representatives solidly defeated the request...
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August 2007
(PDF - 1.00M)
Sailors’ Union blasts Coast Guard rule allowing foreigners to work in Hawai’i cruiseships
A provision in the massive National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 passed in the dying days of the Republican-controlled 109th Congress, has capsized nearly a century of maritime law regarding citizenship requirements for merchant mariners in U.S.-flag vessels.
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July 2007
(PDF - 0.69M)
Maritime labor testifies at TWIC oversight hearing
In a testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on July 12, the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, and other maritime unions, told members of Congress that the implementation of the long-delayed Transportation Worker Identification Credential program must enhance the security of the Nation’s transportation system, but must also preserve the legitimate rights of workers.
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June 2007
(PDF - 0.84M)
Sailor airlifted from Manulani
On June 2, 2007 a medi cal evacuation by heli copter took place aboard Matson Navigation Company’s m/v Manulani.
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May 2007
(PDF - 0.75M)
Mississippi Voyager joins Chevron’s U.S.-flag fleet with Sailors’ Union aboard in all unlicensed departments
Ending more than thirty years of declining tonnage under its house flag, Chevron Shipping Company embarked on a new era in its long history as its newest tankship —the Mississippi Voyager— loaded refined product at Richmond Long Wharf and sailed for Barber’s Point, Hawai’i.
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April 2007
(PDF - 0.55M)
Delays in TWIC implementation draws fire in Congress
A top Homeland Security Department, testifying before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on April 12, could not assure lawmakers that a congressional deadline will be met to begin issuing Transportation Worker Identification Credentials for maritime workers.
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March 2007
(PDF - 0.81M)
TWIC deadlines draw near
The implementation phase of the Transportation Workers’ Identification Credential, or TWIC, is imminent.
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February 2007
(PDF - 1.00M)
Major regulatory changes at international STCW meeting
IMO Sub-committee initiates new competences and seatime requirements for unlicensed mariners.
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January 2007
(PDF - 0.67M)
Transport Workers’ ID Card Final Rule released by gov’t
In another development that will forever change the credentialing of the United States’ maritime workforce, the Transportation Security Administration released an advance copy of the Final Rule in the rulemaking that will establish the Transportation Workers’ Identification Card or TWIC.
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December 2006
(PDF - 0.73M)
Frisco ferry workers fight for jobs and justice on the Alcatraz Island run
A hole was blown in San Francisco’s formerly solid Union waterfront when the federal government recently awarded the contract for the ferry run to Alcatraz Island to a non-Union company.
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November 2006
(PDF - 0.87M)
GAO cites serious deficiencies in transport worker ID card
According to a recently released General Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congress, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must address and solve key challenges before implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.
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October 2006
(PDF - 0.77M)
Port security legislation enacted
On September 30, the Senate passed and on October 13, President Bush signed into law the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE Port) Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954)
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September 2006
(PDF - 0.78M)
APL returns to East Coast
After an absence of 29 years, SUP-contracted American President Lines resumed U.S.-flag liner service to the East Coast with the arrival of the C-10 class vessel President Adams at Port Newark Container Terminal, New Jersey, on August 27.
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August 2006
(PDF - 0.85M)
Legislation kills U.S. Customs ruling that taxed repair work at sea
Just prior to the Congress recessing for a month, Senator Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) added language to the pension reform bill that exempts U.S.-flag operators from paying the 50 percent ad valorem duty on equipment purchase abroad for repairs made in U.S.-flag vessels by U.S. mariners outside of the United States.
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July 2006
(PDF - 0.91M)
New Matson containership Maunalei delivered
Matson Navigation Company’s fourth new vessel in three years was delivered to the company from her builder, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, on July 12.
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June 2006
(PDF - 0.84M)
Sailors’ Union responds to federal goverment’s proposal for new credentials for maritime workers
In response to the U.S. government’s proposal to issue Transportation Workers’ Identification Credentials and the Coast Guard’s proposal to issue Merchant Mariners’ Credentials to replace Merchant Mariner’s Documents, SUP Vice President Dave Connolly testified before representatives of the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Agency and the Coast Guard at a public hearing in Long Beach, California, on June 7, giving the Sailors’ Union’s views on the regulatory changes.
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May 2006
(PDF - 0.70M)
Chevron Shipping to charter three tankers
Company officials informed the Sailors’ Union on May 5, that it had entered into a long-term bareboat charter arrangement to acquire three U.S.-built Double Eagle class tankers. The Company intends to operate the ships in the Jones Act trade with SUP crews in all three unlicensed departments.
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April 2006
(PDF - 0.79M)
Congress scuttles shipowner scheme to employ foreigners in U.S.-flag ships
United States merchant mariners won a historic victory this month when Congress stripped language from the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005 (H.R. 889) that would have permitted the unlimited use of foreign nationals to perform maintenance and repair work in U.S.-flag vessels in the international trades.
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March 2006
(PDF - 0.74M)
New United Nations treaty seeks to guarantee mariner labor rights
The International Labor Organization, overwhelmingly adopted a comprehensive new labor standard for the world’s maritime sector.
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February 2006
(PDF - 0.78M)
Foreign operation of U.S. ports prompts strong congressional opposition
The prospect of Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), operating six United States seaports has sparked outrage across the country and strong bipartisan opposition in both houses of Congress.
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January 2006
(PDF - 0.80M)
Heavy weather injures four sailors aboard s/s Matsonia
In one of the worst injury incidents aboard an SUP-contracted ship in recent memory, the Matsonia on the 19th of December, took a wave over the bow while four sailors and the Chief Mate were working there to secure a hatch. Miraculously, none were swept over the side, and though all sustained serious injuries they remain in stable condition.
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December 2005
(PDF - 0.63M)
Legislators assert flag-of-convenience cruise line ripped-off U.S. government
Legislators from both houses of Congress—and political parties—are turning up the heat on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its now infamous $236 million contract with Carnival Cruise Lines to house Hurricane Katrina evacuees from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
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November 2005
(PDF - 0.67M)
Foreign workers aboard U.S.-flag vessels opposed by Coast Guard
Confirming the Sailors’Union’s opposition to a provision in the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005 (H.R. 889) that would allow U.S.-flag shipowners on international voyages to employ foreign nationals as maintenance and repair “riding gangs,” the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security have issued strongly worded position papers also in opposition to this House of Representatives passed legislation.
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November 2005
(PDF - 0.52M)
SUP Election Supplement
Elections of Officers and Constitutional Amendments Referendum
December 2005-January 2006
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October 2005
(PDF - 0.74M)
Shipowners press Congress to allow foreigners to work in U.S.-flag ships
Legislation that could decimate the American workforce in U.S.-flag ships in the international trades has pitted most of maritime labor against a coalition of avaricious shipowners.
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September 2005
(PDF - 0.86M)
Jones Act foreign tanker exemption revoked; farmers now want a waiver
Katrina, President Bush suspended the Jones Act on September 1, to allow foreign-built, foreign-flagged and foreign-crewed tankers to carry cargo between American ports to “help distribute oil and gasoline where it is needed.”
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August 2005
(PDF - 0.85M)
SUP jobs increase with MarAd Ready Reserve Force awards
The membership of the Sailors’ Union gained additional work when the Maritime Administration on July 28, announced new contracts for vessels in the government’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet.
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July 2005
(PDF - 0.72M)
American President Lines will operate U.S.-flag vessels and adopt & assume American Ship Management agreements
Resolving an issue that has haunted sailors aboard its ships for over a year, American President Lines, Ltd. notified its contracted seagoing Unions on July 13 that effective October 1, 2005, it would again be operating the APL U.S.-flag fleet directly through an affiliated company, APL Marine Services, Ltd.
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June 2005
(PDF - 0.80M)
Matson’s stonewalling prompts SUP strike vote: health care is the issue
In a coastwise vote held at Union Headquarters on June 17, and at the Seattle, Wilmington and Honolulu Branches on June 20, the membership of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific unanimously voted in favor of authorizing a strike against Matson Navigation Company—if necessary.
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May 2005
(PDF - 0.72M)
LMSR injunction rejected by Frisco judge
In a misguided and muddled opinion, Judge Martin Jenkins of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco on May 16, denied Patriot Contract Services’ motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the transfer of SUP-crewed LMSR vessels to AMSEA.
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April 2005
(PDF - 0.63M)
World Trade Organization talks threaten U.S. domestic shipping laws
The United States will come under new diplomatic pressure to ease, or surrender, its domestic shipping laws during forthcoming multilateral service trade negotiations.
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March 2005
(PDF - 0.69M)
Matson set to acquire two more ships from Philly yard
In a bold move that blocks other companies from entering the Hawai’i container trade and continues its service to Guam, Matson Navigation Company announced that it has entered into cash-on-delivery purchase contracts for two new containerships.
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February 2005
(PDF - 0.76M)
New carrier slated to enter Hawai’i trade this year
A new carrier, OceanBlue Express, will enter the Hawai’i trade this year headed by C. Bradley Mulholland, former President and CEO of Matson Navigation.
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January 2005
(PDF - 0.71M)
Maritime Security Program agreements awarded; APL retains current nine vessels
The Maritime Administra tion on January 12, announced the awards of new Maritime Security Program (MSP) operating agreements that will go into effect on October 1, 2005.
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December 2004
(PDF - 0.73M)
Customs service rule taxing repairs in American-flag vessels repealed
An onerous rule promulgated by the U.S. Customs Service in 2001 which severely penalized U.S.-flag shipping, was overturned this month when President Bush signed the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Correction Act of 2004 (H.R. 4047)
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November 2004
(PDF - 0.70M)
USNS Shughart crew cited for heroism in fighting fire
On November 5, SUP member Tim Hill, who was bosun aboard the Shughart at the time of the fire, accepted a plaque on behalf of the crew.
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October 2004
(PDF - 0.91M)
MarAd receives MSP applications — APL and Matson apply for slots
As of the October 15, deadline for submitting applications to the Maritime Administration for participation in the new Maritime Security Program, 25 companies have submitted applications for 142 vessels to be enrolled, although only 60 ships are authorized under the enabling legislation.
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September 2004
(PDF - 0.73M)
Military Sealift Command blunders in LMSR Award —Patriot Contract Services files protest with government
In a misguided decision that jeopardizes sealift readiness of the United States, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) on August 31, awarded Large Medium Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) vessels to American Overseas Maritime Corporation (AMSEA), a subsidiary of General Dynamics. Two other LMSRs were awarded to a company named 3PSC of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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August 2004
(PDF - 0.82M)
Senate and House members strongly oppose WTO limits on U.S. food aid
Strong opposition has been developing in recent weeks in the U.S. Congress to a proposal by European Union nations, Canada, and Australia to limit existing United States food aid programs.
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July 2004
(PDF - 0.81M)
New Maunawili christened in Philly slated for Matson’s Mainland-Hawai’i service
On July 17, 2004 at the Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard (KPSI), Matson Navigation Company christened its newest ship, the m/v Maunawili. Meaning “winding mountain” in Hawaiian, the ship is the second in the CV 2600 Manukai-class, and the third Matson ship to bear the Maunawili name. She will be crewed on deck by members of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific.
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June 2004
(PDF - 0.76M)
U.S. Merchant Marine honored in World War II memorial
The new National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. dedicated on May 29 includes a tribute to the United States Merchant Marine.
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May 2004
(PDF - 0.84M)
Waiver of cargo preference statutes threatens American defense, security, economy and U.S.-flag merchant marine
A proposal by two government acquisition councils to waive cargo preference laws for contracts and subcontracts involving the ocean transportation of “Commercially Available Off-The Shelf” (COTS) items would seriously threaten the Nation’s defense, security, and economy, by destroying a major portion of the U.S.-flag merchant marine.
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April 2004
(PDF - 0.78M)
Maritime labor objects to U.S. Coast Guard’s proposal on merchant mariner documents
In response to the U.S. Coast Guard’s proposed interim rule that would exacerbate the issuance of merchant mariner document by placing further burdensome regulations on American mariners, the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, the American Maritime Officers, the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific (ILWU), the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, the Maritime Engineers Beneficial Association, the Marine Firemen’s Union, the Seafarers International Union-AGLIWD and the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department submitted comments to the Coast Guard voicing strong objections to the proposed rule.
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March 2004
(PDF - 1.68M)
Andrew Furuseth Special Edition
With this special edition of the West Coast Sailors, the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific proudly honors the memory of Andrew Furuseth who was born 150 years ago this month.
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March 2004
(PDF - 0.72M)
Norwegians honor Andrew Furuseth
In brisk weather on March 12, hundreds of Norwegians gathered in Asbygda, Norway at noon, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific’s crusading leader Andrew Furuseth.
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February 2004
(PDF - 0.90M)
AFL-CIO endorses John Kerry for President of the United States
The American Union movement endorsed Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for president on February 19, at a meeting of the AFL-CIO General Board.
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January 2004
(PDF - 0.67M)
U.S. merchant marine again responds as armed forces rotate troops and equipment in Iraq
U.S.-flag ships crewed by U.S. citizen
merchant mariners have embarked on a new round of sailings to support the rotation of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and the postwar rebuilding of that nation, according to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, which is headed by Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, USN.
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December 2003
(PDF - 0.79M)
Coast Guard Commandant urges elimination of substandard ships
Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has called for the elimination of substandard ships on the world’s sea lanes.
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November 2003
(PDF - 0.26M)
House and Senate pass new maritime security fleet bill
Landmark legislation passed both houses of Congress this month which will be the successor to the Maritime Security Program (MSP).
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October 2003
(PDF - 0.96M)
Sailors and Firemen urge Congress to kill Jones Act repeal legislation
In the wake of the introduction of three bills in the House of Representatives by Congressman Ed Case (D-HI) that would repeal the Jones Act, the SUP and the MFOW fired off a letter to Don Young (R-AK), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, urging that the proposed legislation be “filed and flushed.”
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September 2003
(PDF - 0.86M)
NO on the Recall—Yes on Bustamante
At a Special Convention of the California Labor Federation in Manhattan Beach on August 26, 539 delegates representing two million organized workers, voted unanimously to reaffirm labor’s position for a strong NO vote on the recall of Governor Gray Davis, slated for October 7.
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August 2003
(PDF - 1.10M)
Legislation to nullify the Jones Act introduced by Hawai’i Congressman
Representative Ed Case (D-HI) introduced three bills in the House of Representatives that would gut the Jones Act provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the cornerstone of U.S. cabotage and maritime policy.
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July 2003
(PDF - 0.97M)
Maritime Security Program passes Senate committee
Legislation that provides for a new Maritime Security Program (MSP) to replace the current program when it expires on September 30, 2005, was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on June 26.
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June 2003
(PDF - 1.38M)
Manukai slated for christening next month
After months of vacillating on whether to purchase two containerships being built at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Matson Navigation Company will christen the first vessel— m/v Manukai— on July 12.
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May 2003
(PDF - 1.42M)
Matson finally commits to owning and operating Manukai-class ships
Matson Navigation Company issued a press release on May 20 stating that it will “own and operate” the two Manukai-class vessels currently under construction at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard.
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April 2003
(PDF - 1.38M)
SUP and MFOW reach agreement with Matson
Contentious negotiations result in work in new Hawai’i ships and maintenance of the existing fleet.
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March 2003
(PDF - 1.51M)
Matson double-deals on new Hawai’i ships; SUP & MFOW denounce Union-busting scheme—charges filed with the NLRB
Matson Navigation Company has threatened not to purchase two vessels being built at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard but will instead time-charter them back from a new owner with lower crew costs.
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February 2003
(PDF - 1.36M)
Senator Breaux urges MSP reauthorization
In a hard-hitting speech this month in Washington, Senator John Breaux (D-LA) underscored the need to reauthorize the Maritime Sec-urity Program (MSP) prior to the legislation’s expiration on September 30, 2005.
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January 2003
(PDF - 0.71M)
Flag-of-convenience fleet linked to al Qaeda terrorist network
U.S. intelligence officials have identified approximately 15 ships around the world that they believe are controlled by Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda.
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December 2002
(PDF - 1.12M)
Defense Department’s reliance on foreign-flag ships weakens security
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) use of foreign-flag ships crewed by non-U.S. citizen seafarers to transport military equipment and supplies represents a major weakness in DOD’s force protection system aimed at securing the nation from terrorists acts at U.S. seaports.
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November 2002
(PDF - 0.57M)
Maritime Transportation Security Act passes Congress; President will sign
Statute requires additional mariner identification and background checks
Sweeping legislation aimed at improving security at U.S. seaports and preventing terrorist acts was approved by Congress on November 14 and is expected to be signed by President Bush.
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October 2002
(PDF - 1.22M)
Taft-Hartley Act imposed after employer locks out West Coast longshore workers
On October 16, U.S. District Judge William Alsup invoked the provisions of the anti-Union Taft-Hartley Act and issued an injunction that prohibits strikes or lockouts during an 80-day “cooling off” while representatives of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) attempt to reach agreement for a new contract. Alsup’s decision followed a temporary restraining order issued on October 8, which compelled waterfront employers to open up 29 affected West Coast ports and allow longshoremen to return to work.
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September 2002
(PDF - 0.74M)
MarAd cracks down on use of foreign ships transporting U.S. military equipment
The Maritime Administration (MarAd) launched an investigation that led to recommendations designed to stop the transportation of American military cargoes aboard foreign-flag vessels.
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August 2002
(PDF - 0.54M)
Patriot files protest over LMSR award to Maersk
In the wake of the award of eight Large Medium-Speed Roll-On/Roll-Off (LMSR) vessels to Maersk Lines, Ltd. by the Military Sealift Command early this month, Patriot Contract Services, a division of American Ship Management, filed a protest with the General Accounting Office requesting that the award be suspended pending a thorough review and investigation.
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July 2002
(PDF - 0.57M)
House panel holds hearing on Maritime Security Program reauthorization
The House Armed Services Committee’s Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine on July 16, held its first in a series of hearings aimed at reauthorizing the Maritime Security Program (MSP) prior to its expiration on September 30, 2005.
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June 2002
(PDF - 0.56M)
Matson buys two new containerships for the Hawai’i trades—commits to fleet replacement program
On May 29, Matson Navigation Company signed a contract with Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard for two new containerships. The first vessel under construction is scheduled for delivery in June 2003. The second in April 2004.
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May 2002
(PDF - 0.76M)
Sailors’ Union submits testimony to Congressional committees on maritime and port security
In response to the national concern for maritime security and legislation that is pending in Congress, the SUP last month, upon request, submitted written testimony to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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April 2002
(PDF - 1.39M)
Slave conditions prompt mutiny at sea aboard FOC vessel
The death of a ship's captain on the high seas has brought questions of international law and maritime labor abuse to a U.S. court.
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March 2002
(PDF - 1.40M)
Maritime Administrator testifies in support of MSP renewal
In testimony this month before the House Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine, Maritime Administrator William Schubert reaffirmed the Bush Administration’s support of the Maritime Security Program.
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February 2002
(PDF - 1.19M)
Economic expediency subverts maritime safety and U.S. domestic security
In the wake of the IMO's decision not to fully enforce the International Convention for STCW 95 until July 31, 2002, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s determination that the vast majority of American merchant mariners must have been in compliance with the Convention by February 1, the Coast Guard called a meeting of seagoing maritime labor.
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January 2002
(PDF - 0.93M)
IMO gives FOC states six-month break on STCW compliance, but not the U.S.
The STCW Subcommittee of the IMO meeting in London on Jan. 24, agreed to issue a circular letter to port state authorities to issue warnings to flag states not in compliance with the Feb. 1 STCW 95 requirements, however U.S. merchant mariners must be STCW certified by Feb. 1, 2002.
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December 2001
(PDF - 0.65M)
Existence of al-Qaeda controlled FOC fleet identified by Norwegian intelligence
This month it was reported that Western intelligence has identified 20 merchant vessels believed to be linked to Osama bin Laden, which could now be subject to arrest at ports all over the world.
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November 2001
(PDF - 1.19M)
Legislation to aid US-flag fleet introduced in the House
In a move to liberate the U.S. Merchant Marine from restrictive and damaging federal tax and regulatory burdens, Congressman James Oberstar introduced on November 8, the Merchant Marine Cost Parity Act of 2001.
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October 2001
(PDF - 0.67M)
Port and maritime security measures high on Congressional agenda
In the aftermath of the events of September 11, Congress is beginning the legislative process to increase security in the nation’s ports and maritime borders.
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September 2001
(PDF - 1.24M)
President Bush declares “We’re at War”
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President Bush has declared that the United States of America is at war.
Congress acted swiftly and with resolve on September 14, approving a $40 billion emergency spending bill to respond to the attacks and giving the president sweeping authority to retaliate against those responsible.
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August 2001
(PDF - 0.82M)
Federal drug & alcohol testing policy draws fire from maritime industry
The U.S. Department of Transportation has implemented a draconian and invasive new rule regarding drug and alcohol testing records for merchant mariners.
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July 2001
(PDF - 1.97M)
US Customs decision to tax repair work at sea threatens merchang marine
The U.S. Customs Service has published a Final Rule that requires that equipment purchased foreign for repairs made by U.S.-flag vessels when they are outside of the U.S., including maintenance and repair while these vessels are on the high seas, are subject to declaration, entry and payment of a 50% ad valorem duty.
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June 2001
(PDF - 1.45M)
SUP Constitution Committee considers ballot resolutions
The SUP Committee on Constitution met at Headquarters to review, consider and make recommendations on the nine proposed amendments to the SUP Constitution and the ten proposed amendments to the SUP Shipping Rules.
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May 2001
(PDF - 1.42M)
Mobilization underway in support of Maritime Security Program
Congressional leaders, unions, industry, urge full funding, maintenance of citizenship requirements; oppose transfer from MarAd to Department of Defense.
The annual fight to fund the Maritime Security Program (MSP) is ongoing in Washington, D.C. and across the country as Congress tackles President Bush’s fiscal year 2002 budget.
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April 2001
(PDF - 1.32M)
Slavery at sea--still a reality for many mariners
A report released in March by the International Commission On Shipping (ICONS) states that thousands of seafarers in 10 to 15 percent of the world's ships work in slave conditions.
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March 2001
(PDF - 0.98M)
President Bush's proposed maritime budget draws fire
The Bush Administration's proposed budget would severly hamper the development of the U.S. Merchant Marine. According to the Office of Management and Budget's "Blueprint for New Beginnings"...
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March 2001
(PDF - 1.41M)
March Supplement Harry Lundeberg Centennial
Andrew Furuseth made sailors men, but Harry Lundeberg gave them lives worth living. No one, not even Furuseth, did more to improve the basic facts of life for those who go to sea...
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February 2001
(PDF - 0.42M)
SUP gang in Cape Girardeau shines in U.S. Navy exercise
The SUP gang in the Ready Reserve Force vessel Cape Girardeau has won high praise from all quarters for its outstanding performance in training exercises with the U.S. Navy.
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January 2001
(PDF - 1.46M)
Sailors' Union & Chevron Shipping Bargain New Milestone Agreement
Gains achieved in wages, overtime, vacation and benefits.
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December 2000
(PDF - 0.39M)
President-Elect Bush backs strong Maritime Industry.
Declares support for the Jones Act and Maritime Security Program.
President-elect George W. Bush has indicated his strong support for the U.S.
merchant marine.
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November 2000
(PDF - 1.91M)
Sailors’ on deck in three more LMSRs
Additional ships on the horizon in December Patriot Contract Services, a
division of American Ship Management, took delivery of three more Large
Medium Speed Roll-On/Roll-Off (LMSR) ves-sels on November 10 in Norfolk,
Virginia, with members of the SUP crewing the unlicensed deck department.
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October 2000
(PDF - 1.33M)
Judge tosses AMO lawsuit to block LMSR award
On October 10, Judge William B. Bryant of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia decisively rejected a challenge by the American Maritime Officers (AMO) to overturn a Military Sealift command award to Patriot Contract Services to manage and operate 10 Large Medium Speed Roll-On/
Roll-Off (LMSR) vessels.
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September 2000
(PDF - 0.81M)
Unions, ports, travel organizations urge Congress to back U.S. cruiseship bill
The Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, Marine Firemen's Union, Masters,
Mates & Pilots, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, and the
International Longshore Warehouse Union, have joined with a broad-based
group of maritime, port, travel and tourism organizations in urging members
of the U.S. Senate to support the United States Cruise Vessel Act (S.1510).
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August 2000
(PDF - 0.81M)
SUP-crewed Chevron Washington to the rescue off Oregon coast
On August 12, 2000, more than 1000 miles offshore, the SUP-crewed
Chevron Wash-ington engaged in a dramatic and complicated rescue.
Diverted by a satellite phone call from the United States Coast
Guard-Alameda, the Washington rushed to the aid of a seriously
injured sailor aboard a dismasted sailboat.
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July 2000
(PDF - 1.67M)
U.S. Cruise Ship Bill
U.S. cruise ship bill prompts company to arrange financing for vessel construction.
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June 2000
(PDF - 1.31M)
All-american cruiseship bill clears Senate Commerce Comittee
The Senate comitte on Comerce, Science and Transportation on June 15 passed a bill that is designed to facilitate the entry of U
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May 2000
(PDF - 0.45M)
Ready Reserve Fleet contracts awarded by MarAd
Bum decision prompts protest by SUP company; Government stays the award.
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April 2000
(PDF - 0.28M)
Maritime industry group lists initiatives to grow U.S.-fleet flag
A strong U.S.-flags commercial merchant fleet is absolutely essential to ensuring U.S. national defense and economic security in
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March 2000
(PDF - 1.11M)
Fourth SUP-contracted LSMR christened in New Orleans
USNS Pililaau: the fifth of a series of seven Bob Hope-class, large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off being built for the Military
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February 2000
(PDF - 0.67M)
SUP ballots counted
Officers elected, amendments decided.
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January 2000
(PDF - 0.37M)
Floating sweatshops
Foreign-flag cruiseship working conditions exposed.
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