The steep drop of both commercial and government cargoes, has put the national security at risk by endangering the viability of the Maritime Security Program. That Program helps fund the operation of 60 militarily useful ships engaged in the international trades and provides a critically important job base to maintain mariner skills, credentials, readiness. Relative to the trillions flowing from the federal government to sustain the nation, the request is minor. But as unemployment reaches Great Depression levels it is a powerful support of key jobs. Accordingly, maritime labor joined with the U.S.-flag carriers to urge consideration of emergency stipends. For more read the May West Coast Sailors.
