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Volume 66 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 ®
AL
LI E D PR INTING
UNION
T R A D E S LABEL COUNCIL
NO
R TH E N C A L I F
R
.
583 No. 9
Navy opposes repeal of Jones Act Honda back
The news that the U.S. Navy and
the Navy League support the Jones
maritime industry” to a “maritime
nation [like] the United States.”
and women of the U.S. sea services.
Navy support for the Jones Act is
in Port of
Richmond
Act and oppose its repeal was ap- The Jones Act establishes a U.S. nothing new. In previous Congress-
plauded by the Maritime Cabo- merchant marine of skilled seafar- es, the Navy opposed Jones Act re-
tage Task Force (MCTF), the na- ers and U.S.-flagged ships essential peal legislation, noting that such
tional coalition representing the for maintaining the flow of domestic legislation “adversely impacts” the
U.S.-flag fleet engaged in domestic and foreign waterborne commerce military need for a strong cadre of Honda cars headed to dealers
waterborne commerce. Both organi- that is capable of serving as a naval American ships, citizen mariners, are once again coming through the
zations dedicated to the defense of and military auxiliary in times of and “maritime industrial base of Northern California Port of Rich-
the United States have reaffirmed war or national emergency. shipyard and repair facilities.” mond. City officials celebrated the
their support for the law, which is “As a maritime nation, the Unit- “The U.S. Navy and the Navy car maker’s return on September 14,
directly responsible for half a mil- ed States depends not only on a League both understand that main- stating the 145,000 cars Honda plans
lion U.S. jobs and vital to national strong Navy, Marine Corps and Coast taining longstanding U.S. maritime to move through the port will gener-
security. Guard, it also requires a strong com- law boosts our economy and helps ate at least $85 million in additional
In response to anti-Jones Act mercial maritime industry,” said protect our homeland,” said Mark revenue and about 200 jobs.
legislation introduced earlier this Navy League National President Ruge, counsel to the MCTF. “In a Honda operated in Richmond
year, the U.S. Navy said, “For de- Daniel B. Branch, Jr. “The Jones Act time of economic uncertainty and in the 1970s but stopped in the mid-
cades, U.S. merchant mariners have must be maintained so that the more threats to our nation, the Jones Act 1990s. It has relied on ports in Port-
provided essential support for the than 8,000 U.S. citizen mariners can provides a U.S. merchant marine land, Oregon and San Diego to bring
U.S. Navy during times of war and continue to provide the economic that promotes efficient trade and cars to the West Coast. The Richmond
national crisis. Repealing the Jones and military support that is critical supports U.S. military and humani- port recently underwent $37 million
Act would remove that support at a to our national interests.” tarian efforts throughout the world.” in upgrades that include a new rail
time when we are fighting two wars The Navy League is a non-profit Thousands of American mar- yard where cars can be loaded and
and facing a continuing threat from civilian organization with more than iners have played a critical role improved berths. The first new ship-
international terrorism.” 50,000 members worldwide whose cleaning up oil in the Gulf of Mexi- ment of Honda vehicles arrived in
The statement comes within days mission for more than 100 years has co. Jones Act vessels involved in the April. Honda says cars will no longer
of comments from Daniel B. Branch, been to educate the American people cleanup have included scores of the have to be trucked to Northern Cali-
Jr., president of the Navy League of and their leaders about the enduring world’s largest and best equipped fornia from San Diego, cutting thou-
the United States, highlighting the importance of sea power to a mari- oil spill response vessels, dozens of sands of tons of greenhouse gases
importance of a “strong commercial time nation, and to support the men technologically advanced offshore annually.
supply vessels, as well as thousands
Nominations open in MFOW election
of fishing boats and other vessels of
opportunity.
The Jones Act maritime indus-
America’s
Nominations for all official positions in the Marine Firemen's Union
for the 2011-2012 term of office are now being accepted at Headquarters
and all Branch offices.
try annually generates 500,000 jobs,
contributes $100 billion in total eco-
nomic output, adds $46 billion to the
Cup update
Nominations can be made by mail or handed in, provided they are re- value of U.S. economic output, pro- Competition details for the 34th
ceived at MFOW Headquarters by September 30, 2010. Nomination slips vides $29 billion in wages, and con- America’s Cup were announced dur-
are available at all MFOW offices. tributes $11 billion in taxes. ing a recent press conference in Va-
Detailed information on the election process can be found on page 5 lencia, Spain. The extremely fast
under the President’s Report. A Newsletter outlining the nomination and
election procedures is also posted at all MFOW hiring halls.
Shanghai now AC72 wingsail America’s Cup cata-
maran has been tagged as the chosen
‘world’s busiest
boat for the 2013 race. US SAILING,
in partnership with Morrelli & Melvin
Fund raiser for U. S. Senator Patty Murray Design & Engineering, is the neutral
container port’ party responsible for managing the
development of the multihull rule.
To ensure that no team would
Shanghai has overtaken Singa- have an unfair advantage by creat-
pore as the world’s busiest contain- ing the rule, US SAILING was ap-
er port after its container through- proached by the BMW ORACLE Rac-
put surpassed that of the Southeast ing Team to provide oversight of the
Asian port for the first eight months rule drafting process. Pete Melvin,
of the year. Shanghai moved 19.06 a two-time A Class catamaran world
million twenty-foot equivalent units champion, has independently draft-
(TEU) for the January-August peri- ed a rule for the race. The final AC72
od. That is 50,000 higher than Singa- rule, including details on measure-
pore’s 19.01 million TEU, according ment instructions, materials used,
to data from the Maritime and Port wing definitions, scantlings, and oth-
Authority of Singapore (MPA). er requirements, will be specified by
MPA said that its key concern re- September 30, 2010.
mains as to whether the port of Sin- In August, the California State
gapore will continue to grow and of- Senate issued a resolution urging or-
fer a competitive and compelling ganizers for the 34th America’s Cup
proposition to its users. Singapore’s to designate San Francisco as the
container throughput for the period host venue. The resolution also urg-
Left to right: Rich Berkowitz, Transportation Institute; Steve Walker, MEBA was up 13% from the corresponding es the State of California to support
Seattle Business Agent; Karol Kingery, MEBA Seattle Branch Agent; Gordon period a year ago. In 2009, Singapore San Francisco’s bid to host the 34th
Baxter, Vice President Puget Sound Maritime Trades; Vince O' Halloran, Puget port recorded container through- America’s Cup Match. The resolu-
Sound Maritime Trades Department President and Sandy Beavers, former put of about 25.9 million TEU, just tion supports the formation of a sin-
MFOW Seattle Port Agent. 900,000 TEU more than Shanghai’s gle face of state government for the
25 million TEU. purpose of securing state permits for
the America’s Cup in San Francisco.
Halls to close San Francisco is one of three front
runners amongst five venues vying to
Columbus Day — The MFOW host the 34th Match. Other venues in
hiring halls will be closed in Italy and Spain are also under active
Monday, October 11, 2010, in ob- consideration.
servance of Columbus Day, which The City of San Francisco com-
is a contract holiday. missioned a study by the Bay Area
Periodicals Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA (USPS 426-030)
Continued on page 6
Page 2 THE MARINE FIREMAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
The Marine Fireman (USPS 426-030) Marine Firemen’s Union
Published Monthly By Directory
The Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association www.mfoww.org
ORGANIZED 1883
Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO
Second Class Postage Paid at San Francisco HEADQUARTERS
Yearly subscription rate: $8 second class, $10 first class, $25 overseas air. 240 Second Street
Postmaster: Send address changes to The Marine Fireman, 240 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
San Francisco, CA 94105
California salmon disaster continues
Tel: (415) 362-4592/4593/4594
Fax: (415) 348-8864
Dispatcher-Tel: (415) 362-7593
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary riod before the decline. der to attain returns of about 180,000
Dispatcher-Fax: (415) 348-8896
Locke has extended the disaster NOAA Fisheries released a re- adult fish.
declaration for California salmon port in March 2009 that found the In June, Governor Schwarzeneg- General Email: mfow@pacbell.net
fishermen due to the low numbers main cause of the unprecedented ger sent a letter to Locke requesting
of spawning Chinook salmon return- decline of returning salmon was un- a continuation of the declaration of Anthony Poplawski
ing to the Sacramento River and the favorable conditions in the ocean a commercial fishery failure due to
President/Secretary-Treasurer
subsequent reduction in commercial that affected the size of the popu- a fishery resource disaster. Under
fishery revenues. Locke’s announce- lation. Contributing factors includ- Section 312(a) of the Magnuson-Ste- Email: mfow_president@yahoo.com
ment continues the disaster declara- ed degradation of river and estuary vens Fishery Conservation and Man-
tion made in 2008 for the fishery. habitats and lower genetic diversity agement Act, the Commerce secre- William OBrien
Sacramento River fall-run Chi- and resilience of hatchery-depen- tary can determine whether there
nook are the backbone of commer- dent fish populations. Fishery man- is a commercial fishery failure if re- Vice President
cial and recreational salmon fishing agers estimate a healthy population quested to do so by a governor, or at Email: mfow_vp@yahoo.com
in California, and the return of adult size would require returns in the the secretary’s discretion.
fish every fall to spawn in the river range of 122,000 to 180,000 spawn-
system is essential for the popula- ing adults. As recently as 2002, the EPA ends dumping in Karen Mohr, Controller
tion’s survival. This year, the fishing number of adult salmon returning to
season for California Chinook salm- spawn reached 769,900, but returns California waters Sandra Serrano, Secretary/Training
on fishermen was again significantly in recent years have been dramati- Patrick Bateman, Building Manager
In August, the U.S. Environmen-
restricted to allow for enough Sacra- cally lower. Last year, NOAA Fish-
tal Protection Agency (EPA) proposed
mento River fall-run Chinook salm- eries forecasted 122,100 adult fish
banning all sewage discharges from
on to reach the spawning grounds. to return, however, only 39,500 fish
vessels in California’s coastal waters.
Commercial revenues in 2010 are actually returned. In 2010, manage- MFOW Trust Funds
The proposed ban would make the
projected to be 81% lower than aver- ment measures will allow only a lim-
California coast line the largest “No Sylvia Hurd
age revenues from 2003-2005, the pe- ited commercial fishing season in or-
Discharge Zone” in the U.S. Optical and Death Benefits
In 2006 California made a request
New Bedford and Dutch Harbor
Esther Hernandez
to EPA under the guidelines of the
Clean Water Act requesting expand- HMO Eligibility
ed “no discharge zones” off its coast. Amanda Salinas
remain top fishing ports The Clean Water Act says that states
may make such a request to the EPA if
Medical Claims
it is necessary to protect water qual- Tel: (415) 986-5720/986-1028
A NOAA Fisheries report finds the port of New Bedford, Mass., the top
ity. The EPA proposal will take affect Fax: (415) 546-7340
spot for value of landings for the tenth year in a row. The New Bedford port
brought in $249.2 million in 2009, an increase of $7.9 million over the previous after a 60 day period where the public Email: mfowbene@pacbell.net
year. The amount of fish landed was also up by 23.6 million pounds, with scal- can make comments on the plan.
lops responsible for a large part of the high value. The new rule would apply to the
For the 21st consecutive year, Dutch Harbor, Alaska was the country’s top release of both treated and untreat-
port for the total amount of fish landed. Last year, commercial fishermen un- ed sewage within California’s marine Peggy Artau
loaded 506.3 million pounds of fish and shellfish there, mostly pollock. Dutch waters from cruise ships and com- Money Purchase & Pension Benefits
Harbor also retained its position as the second-highest port for landings val- mercial vessels larger than 300 tons,
Tel: (415) 362-1653
ue, with landings earning $159.7 million in 2009. who have adequate sewage holding
capacity (defined by the EPA as two Fax: (415) 348-8864
Nationwide, the total domestic commercial landings for 2009 were 7.9 bil-
lion pounds, valued at $3.9 billion. This is a decrease from 2008, when the vol- days storage capacity). The “no dis- Email: mfowpen@pacbell.net
ume reached 8.3 billion pounds, with a value of $4.4 billion. Accounting for charge zone” applies to all 1,624 miles
most of the decrease was a decline in landings of both pollock and Pacific of California’s coastline out to three
whiting. miles offshore. The ban will also in-
The ports of Empire-Venice, La. and Reedville, Va., ranked second and clude major islands, tidal bays, riv- WILMINGTON BRANCH
third for quantity of landings in 2009, primarily due to menhaden. 411.8 mil- ers and estuaries. 533-B Marine Avenue
lion pounds of fish were landed in Empire-Venice and 349.4 million pounds The EPA estimates that 20.4 mil-
Wilmington, CA 90744
were landed in Reedville. lion gallons or 80% of the treated sew-
age released into California’s waters Mailing Address:
The report on the nation’s ports is part of Fisheries of the United States
2009, a detailed statistical report on the nation’s commercial and recreational each year will be eliminated with P.O. Box 1237
fishing, landings, import, export, per capita fish consumption and consumer this new ban. The remaining 20% is Wilmington, CA 90748
expenditures for fish products. made up of smaller vessels not cov-
ered in the ban. Recreational vessels Tel: (310) 830-0470
are currently required to pump out Fax: (310) 835-9367
Top 10 Commercial Fishery Landings At U.S. Ports, 2008-2009
Figures in Millions of Pounds sewage at harbor pump out stations; Robert Bugarin, Port Agent
however these stations are not always
Email: RBugarin@mfoww.org
Port 2008 2009 available. The other vessels are most-
ly comprised of smaller fishing boats
Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, Alaska 612.7 506.3
which are required to treat their sew- HONOLULU BRANCH
Empire-Venice, Louisiana 353.2 411.8
age before dumping it. 707 Alakea Street
Reedville, Virginia 354.2 349.4
California was aware of the sew-
Kodiak, Alaska 250.9 282.9 Honolulu, HI 96813
age problem years ago and passed the
Intercoastal City, Louisiana 254.6 244.7 Tel: (808) 538-6077
California Clean Coast Act of 2005,
Pascagoula-Moss Point, Mississippi 190.2 217.8
however the dumping continued. In Fax: (808) 531-3058
Cameron, Louisiana 171.9 178.8
2009 California beaches were moni- Bonny Coloma, Port Agent
New Bedford, Massachusetts 146.4 170.0
tored and advisories were issued to
Port Hueneme-Oxnard-Ventura, California 146.3 141.3 Email: BColoma@mfoww.org
almost half of the state beaches for
Gloucester, Massachusetts 120.2 122.3
high levels of pathogens in the water.
The new EPA ban will allow for larg- PORT SERVICED — SEATTLE
Top 10 Commercial Fishery Values at U.S. Ports, 2008-2009
er violations fines to help enforce the
Figures in Millions of Dollars 2414 SW Andover Street
new rule.
Building F, Suite 105
Port 2008 2009
New Bedford, Massachusetts 241.3 249.2
Active MFOW members Seattle, WA 98106
Tel: (206) 467-7944
Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, Alaska 195.0 159.7 Retain your Welfare Fund eligi-
Kodiak, Alaska 98.7 103.8 Fax: (206) 467-8119
Naknek-King Salmon, Alaska 65.3 76.1
bility. MAIL or TURN IN all your
Vince O’Halloran, Representative
Cape May-Wildwood, New Jersey 73.7 73.4 Unfit for Duty slips to: Email: vince_sup@msn.com
Hampton Roads, Virginia 72.3 68.1
MFOW Welfare Fund
Empire-Venice, Louisiana 62.9 67.1
Honolulu, Hawaii 73.3 59.4 240 Second Street
Sitka, Alaska 48.2 51.3 San Francisco, CA 94105
Dulac-Chauvin, Louisiana 48.9 50.9
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 THE MARINE FIREMAN Page 3
Coast Guard judges cleared of misconduct Matson receives
Quest for Quality
The U.S. Coast Guard an- 6. Administer a formal orien-
nounced publication of two Depart-
ment of Homeland Security Inspec-
11 recommendations tation and training course
that investigating officers
Award for 8th time
tor General reports that clear Coast
to improve handling complete before handling Matson has been honored for the
Guard Administrative Law Judg- of merchant mariner suspension and revocation eighth consecutive year with Logis-
es of misconduct or bias while also cases. tics Management magazine’s annual
making 11 recommendations to im-
document suspension 7. Make available or require, Quest for Quality award in the Ocean
prove handling of merchant mari- and revocation matters if necessary, ongoing or ad- Carrier category. The annual sur-
ner document suspension and re- vanced skills training for in- vey is regarded in the transportation
vocation matters. The reports stem vestigating officers who seek and logistics industry as the most im-
from an October 2008 request by the • Did not uncover evidence or need to improve their portant measure of customer satis-
Coast Guard’s Vice Commandant for that the Chief ALJ expects prosecutorial skills. faction and performance excellence.
a review of allegations made May 9, an ALJ to rule in favor of 8. Promote the use of the Cen- Transportation service providers
2007, by former Administrative Law the Coast Guard or directed ter of Expertise to ensure are rated by customers on five key
Judge Jeffie Massey. them to do so; and that investigating officers criteria: on-time performance, value,
One report details recommenda- • Found no evidence sup- have access to training and customer service, information tech-
tions made to address programmatic porting Massey’s allegation legal support. nology and equipment operations.
issues that while not directly relat- that the Chief ALJ directed 9. Take steps to decrease the Matson ranked number two of
ed to Massey’s allegations, were not- a subordinate ALJ how to length of time required to is- all ocean carriers honored with this
ed during the review of those allega- rule. sue Commandant’s Decision year’s award and was rated the best
tions. The second report focused on A second report provides the on Appeals. in the industry for on-time perfor-
the review of Massey’s allegations Coast Guard with 11 recommen- 10. Create a database of Com- mance. The distinction has been
and reveals that DHS OIG inspec- dations on how to improve the mandant’s Decision on Ap- further underscored by Drewry
tors found there “is no evidence sup- Coast Guard’s handling of mer- peals and ALJ decisions in Shipping Consultants, which has con-
porting ALJ Massey’s claim that the chant mariner suspension and re- which the public can use sistently rated Matson as one of the
Chief ALJ held improper conversa- vocation matters. The Coast Guard a topic or key word to lo- most reliable carriers for on-time
tions with other ALJs about desired concurs with each of the following cate relevant Coast Guard arrivals.
outcomes in specific cases or other- recommendations: precedents. “Matson is very proud to have
wise deprived mariners of due pro- 1. Evaluate current proce- 11. Develop formal procedures been honored eight years in a row
cess in administrative proceedings.” dures for training ALJs and governing interactions be- with this prestigious award,” said
The report also states that the create a formal training tween personnel in the ALJ Matt Cox, president. “It underscores
Office of Inspector General: program. program, the Judge Advo- our solid track record in consistent-
• Found that Massey repeat- 2. Develop formal written pro- cate General’s Office and the ly delivering modern, reliable ocean
edly failed to follow Coast cedures for investigating Office of Investigations and transportation services of superior
Guard regulations; allegations of misconduct Analysis. quality and value. While Matson con-
• Found that Massey had in against an ALJ. Massey’s allegations were re- ducts its own customer satisfaction
one instance, openly re- 3. Create formal guidelines for ported in a series of Baltimore Sun surveys regularly to maintain time-
fused to follow Coast Guard the Chief ALJ to follow when articles and repeated during Con- ly and customized feedback, the re-
precedent; deciding how or whether to gressional testimony. The allega- sults of this survey reflect our overall
• Was not able to substantiate discipline an ALJ. tions were also relied upon in three, standing in the national transpor-
Massey’s allegations; 4. Revoke any obsolete policy civil lawsuits seeking to reverse tation industry. We are particularly
• Did not determine that the guidance and consolidate Coast Guard actions and up to $31 gratified to receive high marks for
Chief ALJ and others made current policy guidance into million in alleged damages from on-time performance and informa-
remarks alleged by Massey; a manual. ALJs and others. The lawsuits were tion technology, which are key com-
• Did not identify any evi- 5. Develop a standard for- dismissed, and the dismissals were ponents of Matson’s service offer-
dence that the Chief ALJ mat for the issuance of pol- affirmed on appeal. Two plaintiffs ings. The honor is also a very strong
told subordinates how to icy guidance that establish- re-filed their suits which were again reflection of the across-the-board ef-
rule or attempted to control es to what extent an ALJ dismissed. Those dismissals are on fort by all at Matson to sustain our
case outcomes; is required to follow the appeal before the 5th Circuit, U.S. reputation as a quality carrier and
guidance. Court of Appeals. leader in Pacific shipping.”
New skipper at Kings Point Irish shipping trade
returns to growth
U.S. Maritime Administrator Da- chant Marine Academy graduate to
vid T. Matsuda announced in August be named Superintendent. He joins
the selection of Rear Admiral Philip RADM Thomas A. King ’42 (1980-1987)
Greene, Jr. as 11th Superintendent of and RADM Paul L. Krinsky ’50 (1987-
the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 1993) as the only Kings Point gradu- The latest figures from the volumes. Import volumes were down
at Kings Point. Greene, a two-time ates to oversee the institution. Greene Irish Maritime Development Office 2% which is largely as a result of con-
Outstanding Professional Achieve- graduated from the academy in 1978. (IMDO) on Republic of Ireland ship- tinued weak domestic demand. The
ment Award winner at the USMMA, From 2008-2009, Greene com- ping trade volumes and port traf- rate of decline in import volumes
is a Master Mariner and Flag Officer manded the Combined Joint Task fic data for the first half of 2010 in- has eased sharply which is possibly
in the U.S. Navy. He has had a dis- Force-Horn of Africa where he led dicate that shipping volumes on the also offset by demand for industrial
tinguished naval career including operations to build regional secu- key trade corridors have stabilized imports used as inputs for the mer-
two ship commands, Post Graduate rity capacity and counter extrem- with a largely positive underlying chandise export trades.
School, Naval War College, a Depart- ism in the Horn/East Africa. Prior trend. The midyear data points to- The sharp fall in import units
ment Head tour at the U.S. Naval to this assignment Greene served wards trade volume growth in three over the last 24 months has inversely
Academy and obtaining his unlimit- in Naples, Italy, as director for Poli- of the principal freight segments; created a problem for export compa-
ed masters license. cy, Resources & Strategy, U.S. Naval most significantly in lift-on/ lift-off nies as there is now reduced supply
Greene is the third U.S. Mer- Forces Europe/Africa. (lo/lo) export trades which grew by of export quality containers avail-
an estimated 5%. Roll-on/roll-off ex- able in Ireland. As a result, shipping
port traffic was also up 5% per cent lines have to reposition empty con-
NY-NJ Port Authority set to spend on an all-island basis. Dry bulk vol-
umes through Irish ports increased
tainers from the UK and the Europe-
an continent which adds to the over-
$1 billion to fix Bayonne Bridge
by 15% for the first six months com- all cost of the export box.
pared to the same period last year. Dry bulk trades recovered some
Shipments in April this year saw the of the record volume losses seen in
The Port Authority of New York a second of up to three buildings Sil- strongest monthly volume of bulk 2009 with a strong 15% increase be-
and New Jersey recently authorized verstein may develop. cargoes in over 2 years. tween January and June. Part of this
spending up to $1 billion to insure At stake are 269,000 jobs, $36 Roll-on/roll-off traffic continued recovery is attributed to stronger
that the Bayonne Bridge does not im- billion in annual business activi- to make a steady recovery with an in- domestic demand for grains, fertil-
pede future shipping traffic at the ty and $5 billion in state and feder- crease of 2%, up to 771,585 units for izers and other agricultural prod-
Newark and Elizabeth container al tax revenues that the agency says the first half of 2010. The ro/ro seg- ucts, while improved global demand
port complex. the port generates. The bridge’s 151- ment is largely weighted towards for steel and other ore aggregates
The board’s action came less foot clearance is too low for huge and services to and from the United also pushed up volume throughput.
than three weeks after the Port Au- modern container ships expected to Kingdom — which remains Ireland’s Breakbulk volumes through Irish
thority finalized a billion-dollar fi- begin calling East Coast ports once largest trading partner. The most ports linked to construction invento-
nancing deal with World Trade Cen- an expansion of the Panama Canal is significant change in volume has ries such as steel and timber contin-
ter developer Larry Silverstein, completed by 2015. been in the main lo/lo trades. Over- ued to decline by 11%, which is half
when Gov. Chris Christie condi- Alternative solutions to the prob- all total volume including export the recorded figure for 2009. Liquid
tioned his support for the deal on lem outlined in a report by the U.S. and imports fell only marginally by bulk volumes such as oil fell by 4%,
the agency’s pledging to fix the Bay- Army Corps of Engineers include 1% to June with 517,552 units being with lower transshipment storage
onne Bridge height clearance prob- tearing down the bridge and replac- handled. However this compares to for the U.S. market and other season-
lem. Under the Silverstein deal, ap- ing it with a taller span or a tunnel, a 24% reduction for the same periods al factors impacting on demand. The
proved on Aug. 26, the Port Authority estimated to cost at least $2 billion, last year. outlook for continued short term vol-
pledged to contribute $1 billion to an or jacking up the existing bridge A key factor in the positive up- ume recovery remains largely con-
office tower now under construction, by another 65 feet above the water, ward movement has been the con- tingent on the external recovery in
and possibly another $200 million for which would run at least $1.3 billion. tinued strong performance of export the global economy.
Page 4 THE MARINE FIREMAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
• What are the current and prospective names of the vessels?
• Has the chartering of the five foreign vessels altered Matson’s U.S.-
flag replacement program?
Sullivan responded as follows:
• He did not recall stating the ships would be crewed by Matson as that
is not an option under a time charter.
• He did recall assuring the Unions that if the service was successful it
could eventually lead to a different additional string of foreign-built
U.S.-flag ships, provided there were Maritime Security Program slots
available.
• The terms of the charters by contract are private and confidential and
therefore cannot be disclosed.
• The charters are relatively short term compared to typical charters.
• The CLX-2 service will not impact the current U.S.-flag deployment;
Matson expects to continue running the nine Jones Act ships current-
By ANTHONY POPLAWSKI ly in service, including the five ships in the CLX-1 service.
• The CLX-2 service does not change Matson’s new-build fleet replace-
MATSON CHARTER
ment plan.
As reported last month, Matson Navigation Company announced in July
Sullivan requested that the Unions support the effort to expand the com-
that they would initiate a second China shipping service (CLX-2). CLX-2 will
pany, as a successful CLX-2 service could lead to additional investment and
engage five time-chartered, foreign-flag, foreign-crewed, 3,500 TEU ships in
creation of new jobs.
a weekly service between Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Long Beach.
Wilmington Port Agent Bob Bugarin reported the arrival of the KAI-
Operations began in August and will be in full deployment by early October.
MOKU at Long Beach on August 25, and SUP Vice President Dave Connolly
The foreign-flag vessels are named KAILUA, KAIMOKU, KAINALU, KA-
reported the vessel called the Port of Oakland on August 27. The vessel sports
LANI and KOHALA. Industry sources claim that the first two ships, KAI-
a Matson stack and is registered in Limassol, Cyprus. Waterfront sources in-
MOKU and KAINALU, are 17 years old. The Cypriot-flagged vessels were
dicate the entire unlicensed crew, restricted from shore leave, was comprised
previously operated by Cyprus Sea Line as the CSL STEFANIE and CSL MA-
of Republic of the Philippines nationals.
RIE. The vessels were originally built for K Line, named SETO BRIDGE and
At this time, in regards to the CLX-2 service, it appears there is no legal
AKASHI BRIDGE. Matson has apparently chartered each of the vessels at the
basis for the Pacific District Unions to pursue a grievance against the compa-
cost of $18,500 a day.
ny. To be sure, the company’s business decision to completely ignore Ameri-
On August 3, I conferred with SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg and SIU-
can seagoing labor in the development of CLX-2 is telling. Without cabotage
AGLIWD/NMU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone. As a result, under
laws and other “protectionist” legislation (the Jones Act, the Maritime Secu-
letterhead of the SIU Pacific District, the Unions sent the following request
rity Program and Cargo Preference Laws), the privately-owned, U.S.-flag mer-
for information to the company:
chant marine will most likely be finished with engines.
August 3, 2010 OAKLAND MAYORAL RACE
Captain John Sullivan On August 4, I attended an informal meeting with Don Perata, former
Vice President, Vessel Operations & Offshore Labor Relations President pro tempore of the California State Senate, in the library at SUP
Matson Navigation Company headquarters. Also in attendance were SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg,
555 12th Street SUP Vice President Dave Connolly, IBU San Francisco Regional Director Ma-
Oakland, CA 94607 rina Secchitano and MEBA San Francisco Representative Christian Yuhas.
Perata is running for Mayor of Oakland in a field of 13 candidates, includ-
RE: Matson’s Foreign -Flag Service
ing Terrence Candell, real estate agent Larry Lionel Young Jr., and Oakland
Dear Captain Sullivan: city council members Jean Quan and Rebecca Kaplan. He is a self-described
While we are disappointed with the recent announcement that Matson will op- “pragmatic” politician, who is more interested in “filling pot holes” than mak-
erate five foreign-flag vessels with foreign crews in the China-Long Beach Express ing lofty promises, and has a working knowledge of the issues surrounding
Service, we are gratified that you have stated that it is the company’s intention to the Port of Oakland.
enroll the vessels in the Maritime Security Program (MSP). Please notify us of any 222 SECOND STREET
assistance we can provide in this regard. 222 Second Street is the parking lot property directly northwest of the
Until the vessels are enrolled in MSP, the Unions will exercise their rights un- MFOW Headquarters building. The proposed 222 Second Street project would
der Section 3. Vessels Covered and Manning of the General Rules of the 2008-2013 demolish the existing surface parking lot and construct a 26-story, 350-foot
collective bargaining agreement. In part that section states: tall building containing approximately 430,650 square feet of office space,
The Company agrees that in the event any foreign-flag vessels are 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail space, 28,000 square feet of subterra-
hereinafter operated by them, the following shall apply: nean parking area and 8,600 square feet of publicly-accessible interior open
(1) The Union shall have the same right as it has with respect to the space at the ground floor.
vessels covered by this Agreement and subject to the same conditions, As a follow-up to last month’s report, on August 12 I attended the San
to have its representatives board said vessels in any port for the purpose Francisco Planning Commission meeting at City Hall. The 222 Second Street
of consulting with the unlicensed employees employed thereon. project Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was approved by the Plan-
(2) The Company agrees that, upon the Union demonstrating that ning Commission. After considerable jousting between the project sponsor,
it has been designated and authorized by a majority of the unlicensed the 246 Second Street Home Owners Association and the planning commis-
employees of any one or more vessels to represent them for the pur- sioners, four additional project-related items were approved as follows:
pose of collective bargaining, the Company shall engage in collective • Request for Addition and Allocation under the Annual Office Devel-
bargaining with the Union to perfect an agreement covering said unli- opment Limitation Program under Planning Code Sections 321 and
censed employees. 322. (Passed 6-1)
If a dispute arises as to whether the Union does in fact represent a • Request for a General Plan Amendment, under Planning Code Sec-
majority of the unlicensed employees, the dispute shall be subject to the tion 340, to amend certain exhibits of the General Plan to reclassify a
provisions of Section 10 of this Agreement. portion of the subject property from the 150-S to the 350-S Height and
The term “foreign-flag vessels” shall be limited, except by mutual Bulk District. (Passed 5-2)
agreement of the parties, to such vessels that are engaged in the import • Request for a Determination of Compliance, under Planning Code
or export cargo or passenger trade of the United States. Section 309, with exceptions to the requirements for sunlight access
In addition, according to Matson’s July 29 press release and webcast announc- to public sidewalks, reduction of ground-level wind currents and bulk
ing the foreign-flag service it was noted that the five vessels will be time-chartered. limits. (Passed 4-3)
We therefore request the following information: • Request to Reclassify, under Planning Code Section 302, a portion of
1) The length of the time charters the subject property from the 150-S to the 350-S Height and Bulk Dis-
2) The names of the vessels (current and future) trict. (Passed 5-2)
3) The source and nationality of the unlicensed crew members and officers of A handful of representatives from organized labor were present to voice
the vessels support for the project, including San Francisco Building and Construction
4) The wages and benefits to be paid to the unlicensed crew members and Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Michael Theriault and representatives
officers from the Carpenters and Ironworkers unions.
Finally, will Matson operate the vessels directly or through a third party? Your For quite some time, 222 Second Street has been considered one of the
timely response will be most appreciated. prime underdeveloped properties in the SOMA district. There was never a
Sincerely, question, at Marine Firemen’s Union Headquarters, of whether or not a high-
rise development would occur at the site, only when it would occur.
Gunnar Lundeberg
The existing surface parking lot at 222 Second Street is a public nuisance,
President/Secretary-Treasurer
especially on weekends. A substantial amount of damage to our 240 Second
Sailors’ Union of the Pacific
Street property — graffiti, broken windows, broken bottles, trash and urina-
Anthony Poplawski tion—comes directly from night clubbers and culprits who utilize the 222 Sec-
President/Secretary-Treasurer ond Street parking lot on Friday and Saturday nights. The development of the
Marine Firemen’s Union 222 Second Street property, as soon as possible, is in the best interests of the
Nicholas Marrone Marine Firemen’s Union. While those of us who work at Headquarters are not
West Coast Vice President excited about enduring the negative aspects of the construction phase of the
SIU-AGLIWD/NMU project, we certainly believe that the long-term effect on our property and the
neighborhood will be positive.
On August 12, Sullivan responded that our cited contract provision, Sec- The next step in the process is approval by the San Francisco Board of
tion 3 of the General Rules, applies only to foreign-flag vessels which are op- Supervisors. If approved, and market conditions are favorable, construction
erated by Matson. He stated that the vessels in question are not operated by could begin as early as 10-12 months.
Matson, but have been time chartered from third parties, and Matson is not
HEALTH CARE
an employer of any seaman or other personnel on the vessels. He therefore
In June, the MFOW Welfare Fund trustees were advised that the depen-
believes the provision has no applicability.
dent coverage stop loss provider, Symetra Life Insurance Company, had re-
In a follow-up communication to Matson, SUP President Gunnar Lunde-
quested a 21.6% increase in the monthly stop loss premium rate. The renewal
berg demanded the following information:
rate increase was subsequently reduced to 0% for the Plan’s $300,000 lifetime
• What is the length of the charters for these vessels?
• Who is Matson chartering the vessels from? Continued on page five
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 THE MARINE FIREMAN Page 5
3. Discharges showing that the candidate has worked 90 days in covered
More President’s Report
employment in the 12 months preceding the nomination, unless the
candidate is an incumbent.
These items must be mailed to the neutral address below to reach such
address by 10:00 a.m., October 12, 2010:
Credentials Committee
Continued from page four Marine Firemen’s Union
maximum. However, the Plan must comply with changes required by the Pa- c/o AIM Mail Center
tient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA), effective February Attention: Mr. Merlyn Gill, Notary Public
1, 2011, as follows: 221 King Street, #417
• The Plan must eliminate the current lifetime maximum benefit of San Francisco, CA 94107-1756
$300,000. To ease the financial impact of removing the lifetime max- All members who run for office are urged to comply with the Constitution-
imum, the regulations allow the Plan to implement an annual maxi- al procedures governing nomination and election. Failure to do so will result
mum over the next three years provided the amount is at least $750,000 in disqualification by the Credentials Committee. Any candidates for office
during the 2011-2012 fiscal year; increasing to $1,250,000 during the who submit their photograph on a timely basis will have their picture pub-
2012-2013 fiscal year; and increasing to $2,000,000 during the 2013- lished in The Marine Fireman during the entire election period.
2014 fiscal year. By 2014, there can be no annual maximum. Symetra Balloting in the MFOW election will begin on Thursday, December 2, 2010,
has advised that premiums in 2011 would go up 31.5% for the increase and will continue through Tuesday, February 1, 2011. The Balloting Commit-
in their liability under the stop loss contract. tee shall convene on February 7 to count ballots. The results of the Balloting
• The Trust must offer coverage to dependents age 19 up to age 26 with- Committee will be officially announced at the March 7 and March 14 head-
out regard to student status and marital status. The only dependents quarters and branch meetings respectively. Elected officials for the new term
that do not have to be covered are those with their own employer will assume office on March 15, 2011.
sponsored health coverage.
• The Trust must re-enroll any participant who previously reached
the $300,000 lifetime maximum limit. It has been verified that there
are no individuals who fall in to this category. The only individual to
reach the $300,000 lifetime limit did so in 2005; but was age 64 at the
Vice President’s Report
time and would not be eligible under the Plan now.
In order to review the competitiveness of the Symetra renewal, the Plan
obtained quotes from other providers. Many stop loss carriers have previous- By William OBrien come due to American inventions.
ly declined to quote based on the composition of the group; meaning the stop I was proud to march with Port
I’ve been making the ships and
loss market for the Plan is extremely limited. The Symetra renewal quote Agent Bob Bugarin and the Wilm-
the shoregang, handling the beefs
was more competitive than one provider, but higher than two other proposals. ington membership in this year’s La-
as they come in. Shipping has been
However, the trustees agreed that the quoted annual premium difference did bor Day parade. This is the only La-
good. Nobody that wants to work is
not reflect differences in contract coverage terms, costs incurred for claim re- bor Day parade in the United States
falling off the registration list.
porting and required legal costs. The Symetra renewal was accepted. west of the Mississippi. We had a fine
Patriot Contract Services called
turnout, with the SUP right along-
SIU-PD PENSION INCREASE for full crews of Oilers and Wipers
side us. Those sailors can march
In June, the SIU Pacific District Unions, APL Marine Services (APLMS) for the USNS GORDON and USNS
pretty good.
and Matson Navigation Company negotiated a maximum SIU Pacific District GILLILAND berthed in Jackson-
A gourmet BBQ followed at our
Pension Plan monthly benefit improvement of $100 for active participants ville, Florida. The one-week break-
hall. Also marching in our maritime
who retire on or after July 1, 2010 and a cost-of-living increase of 3% for exist- out was due to the approaching Hur-
contingent was the SIU, IBU, the
ing retirees at or beyond age 55 with at least 20 years of qualifying time. ricane Earl.
Mates and the Engineers.
Plan Administrator Michelle Chang has reported that, following a two- Late last month, the company It was the 31st year of the parade
month period to execute necessary programming changes, data entry and crewed up the MV CAPE ORLANDO and rally. The theme of this year’s
balancing, the benefit increases were implemented. The two-month retroac- for one-week sea trials. The ORLAN- event was “Workers Needs over Cor-
tive benefit payment for the months of July and August were included in the DO is back to ROS status in Alameda. porate Greed.” No politicians or po-
September 1 pension checks. I made the APL JAPAN in NY. litical groups have ever been per-
Good gang. They had a long, hot trip mitted to march. Union Labor only.
OCTOBER INCREASES
thru’ the Suez and back. There were It’s something I think every member
APL Marine Services — Effective October 1, 2010, all rates of pay and wage problems with the ship’s elevator
related items for unlicensed engine department ratings aboard APLMS-op- should do at least once. It’s a great
that our Electrician fixed. honor and a real experience.
erated MSP vessels will be increased by 2.5%. Offshore training contributions
Our APL Oakland Reefer gang In the eight times I’ve marched,
will be increased by 2.5%. All rates of pay and wage related items for mem-
is very busy. All hands seven days I never actually saw the parade. We
bers working under the APLMS-MFOW Maintenance and Special Standby
a week. I remember working that are always up front. This year, af-
Wiper agreements will be increased by 2.5%. Also effective October 1, 2010,
way for months at a time. The weeks ter we did our part, I went back to
all APLMS welfare contributions (MSP vessels, non-MSP vessels, mainte-
blurred and went by quickly. It was view the other workers. As I watched
nance and standby mandays will be increased by the percentage increase in
hard work, but it kept me in shape each union with its banner go by, I
the medical care services component of the Consumer Price Index (United
and I collected some nice paychecks. remembered again how all workers
States City Average for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers) during
Matson vessels continue to main- are connected.
the most recent previous twelve month period for which such index has been
tain schedules and are fully loaded Seamen couldn’t dock ships if
calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U. S. Department of Labor.
coming in and going out. Brother the Pile Drivers Union didn’t lay
Patriot Contract Services — There will be a 2% increase in total labor cost
Frank Kirby landed a WJR’s job on the pylons, so the Carpenters could
(TLC) on October 1, 2010 for unlicensed engine ratings serving aboard the
the SS KAUAI. He waited a long time build the docks, so the Longies could
PM2 program vessel — USNS WATERS. There will also be a 2% increase in
to get the job and stated he wanted unload the ships, so the Teamsters
TLC on October 1, 2010 for unlicensed engine ratings serving aboard the PM3
to sail on the last of the steamships. could deliver the goods in the trucks
program vessel — USNS MARTIN.
“The last of the steamships,” I never fixed by Mechanics, who are tak-
On September 2, I sent draft wage and benefit spreadsheets to APLMS and
imagined I’d say that. en care of by the Nurses, who were
PCS for review and approval. The new wage rates are published on page 6.
Congratulations to TRL upgrad- taught by the Teachers. The Plumb-
MFOW Officials — As recommended by the MFOW Board of Trustees
ing graduates Monte LaCome, Eldon ers, the Firefighters, Bakers, Butch-
in March and approved by the membership at the April Headquarters and
Hodgin, Derrick Wills and Raushan- ers, Cashiers, Janitors, Secretaries,
branch meetings, all MFOW officials and the building manager will receive
na Burton. Good work; it will pay off. Cooks and many others. All together,
a 2.7% salary increase, effective October 1, 2010, based on the average pay in-
I attended our trust fund meet- all union. It’s a powerful sight.
crease per billet under the commercial fleet and shoregang contracts in 2010.
ings this month. All the books are in I attended the Alameda Labor
MFOW ELECTION order. We are carefully monitoring Council monthly delegates’ meeting.
Nominations to elect officers of the Marine Firemen’s Union for the 2011- any effect the new Healthcare legis- We finalized plans to support candi-
2012 term of office opened on September 1, 2010. Nominations made in person lation will have on our plans. Some dates for the upcoming election. It’s
were in order at the September Headquar ters and branch meetings. Nomi- of our investment consultants advise crucial that Labor support the Dem-
nation slips may be handed to officials at Headquarters and branches. Nom- us that there will not be another re- ocrats in all races. Like them or not.
ination slips will also be provided to the port serviced at Seattle. Nomina- cession and the economic boom will It’s the rich against the poor.
tions may be made by mail any time during the month, provided that mailed
nominations are received at MFOW Headquar ters by September 30, 2010. The
following positions will appear on the ballot this year:
• President/Secretary-Treasurer
• Vice President
• Wilmington Port Agent
• Honolulu Port Agent
• Trustee (3 positions)
• SIUNA Convention Delegate
Any member wishing to become a candidate for office must be nominated
and have a second to his nomination. Any member in good standing may nom-
inate himself. The names and book numbers of members doing the nominat-
ing and seconding must be included. For the infor mation of all members, and
of particular importance to any member who may be thinking about running
for office, a newslet ter outlining the nomination and election procedures,
including Article V of the Constitution, is posted at all MFOW hiring halls.
Members can also refer to the “Reminder Regarding MFOW Election” pub-
lished in the June 2010 issue of The Marine Fireman.
Acceptances — All candidates for office are reminded that the following
items, pursuant to Article V, Section 1. F. of the Constitution must be submit-
ted to the Credentials Committee:
1. A written acceptance of the nomination. Left to right: ERJ Dan Hamann, JM-4740; MFOW Vice President William
2. 2. An “Official Form of Statement of Candidate.” OBrien and REJ Shadow Moyer, #3822 aboard the MV APL KOREA.
Page 6 THE MARINE FIREMAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
APL MARINE SERVICES WAGE RATES Aker Philadelphia
(Effective October 1, 2010) yard delivers 10th
MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM VESSELS product tanker
Aker Philadelphia Shipyard has
Wages Wages Hourly Supplemental Benefit
Rating Monthly Daily ST OT Base Monthly Daily delivered to American Shipping Com-
pany its tenth Veteran Class MT-46
Chief Electrician/Reefer/Junior 4,616.72 153.89 27.24 40.87 4,997.04 2,664.92 88.83
product tanker. The 46,000 dwt vessel,
Chief Reefer/Electrician/Junior 4,394.54 146.48 25.94 38.93 4,858.31 2,590.94 86.36
named the OVERSEAS ANACORTES,
Day Junior/Utility 3,989.14 132.97 23.60 35.39 4,325.88 2,306.99 76.90
will be operated by OSG America to
Non-Watch Allowance 300.00 10.00
transport petroleum products for
Wiper 2,696.77 89.89 16.13 24.21 3,113.81 1,660.59 55.35
Tesoro. It is the fourth vessel planned
Dirty Work Rate 16.91 27.88
to be utilized by Tesoro.
Cargo Rate 18.91 32.18
Following tradition, a small nam-
Watchstanding Day Jr., Section 18: Mon-Fri Additional Hourly: 16.91 ing ceremony was held to bless the
Watchmen assigned as Day Men, Section 13c: Additional Daily: 10.00 ship and name her, with representa-
tives from Tesoro, American Shipping
NON-MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM VESSELS Company, OSG America and Aker
Philadelphia Shipyard in attendance.
The ship will leave Aker Philadelphia
Wages Wages Hourly Supplemental Benefit
Shipyard and join its sister ships in
Rating Monthly Daily ST OT Base Monthly Daily
transporting petroleum products on
Chief Electrician/Reefer/Junior 4,449.90 148.33 25.93 38.90 4,816.55 2,568.67 85.62 the West Coast.
Chief Reefer/Electrician/Oiler 4,026.30 134.21 23.55 35.33 4,451.34 2,373.90 79.13 Aker Philadelphia has two oth-
Oiler/Utility 3,023.70 100.79 17.67 26.54 3,279.02 1,748.70 58.29 er vessels currently under construc-
Advancement Program Wiper 2,400.00 80.00 10.00 15.00 2,400.00 1,279.92 42.66 tion as part of its historical build
Dirty Work Rate 13.69 22.56 program. Both are scheduled to be
Cargo Rate 15.86 26.04 delivered through spring 2011.
MAINTENANCE AND STANDBY U.S. Marines take
Global Gateway Central — Oakland Hourly Rates back pirate-held ship
First Shift Second Shift Third Shift
Rating ST OT ST OT ST OT off Somalia
Foreman 38.72 58.08 U.S. Marine commandos stormed
Leaderman 35.04 52.56 37.14 55.71 38.14 57.21 a pirate–held cargo ship, the MAGEL-
Mechanic 32.62 48.93 34.58 51.87 35.58 53.37 LAN STAR, off the Somalia coast on
September 9, reclaiming control and
taking nine prisoners without firing
Global Gateway South — San Pedro Hourly Rates a shot in the first such boarding raid
First Shift Second Shift Third Shift by the international anti–piracy flo-
Rating ST OT ST OT ST OT tilla. The mission, using small craft
Foreman 38.72 58.08 to reach the deck of German–owned
Leaderman 35.04 52.56 38.54 57.81 39.54 59.31 vessel as the crew huddled in a safe
Mechanic 32.62 48.93 35.88 53.82 36.88 55.32 room below, ranks among the most
dramatic high seas confrontations
with pirates by the task force created
Special Standby Wiper Hourly Rates to protect shipping lanes off lawless
Somalia. The Marines, from the 15th
Base ST ST Special Dirty Dirty Special OT Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Mari-
Rating Hourly 0800-1700 1700-0800 0800-1700 1700-0800 0800-0800 time Raid Force, launched the assault
from aboard the USS DUBUQUE, an
Wiper/Utility 27.42 27.42 30.60 35.32 39.24 47.79
amphibious transport ship.
Marine Corps officers involved in
the raid told reporters that the attack
involved overwhelming force and the
PATRIOT CONTRACT SERVICES WAGE RATES element of surprise. Marines were
able to separate the pirates and con-
(Effective October 1, 2010) front them singly or in small groups,
while helicopters bore down. The
PM2 PROGRAM — USNS WATERS armed pirates gave up quickly when
faced with large numbers of Marines
Full Operating Status carrying heavier weaponry.
The crew managed to kill the en-
56-Hour 56-Hour Monthly Monthly Daily Hourly gines before taking refuge in a panic
Monthly Daily Benefit Benefit Benefit Overtime room–style chamber, leaving the ship
Rating Base Wage Base Wage Base Wage Wage Rate adrift and the pirates so frustrated
QMED-Electrician 4,944.35 164.81 3,206.34 1,068.78 35.63 26.33 they started damaging equipment af-
Storekeeper 4,759.22 158.64 3,065.62 1,021.87 34.06 25.23 ter hijacking the vessel. Getting to the
QMED-Oiler 3,387.42 112.91 2,024.00 674.67 22.49 16.98 crew barricaded behind three walls
Wiper 2,462.08 82.07 1,869.74 623.25 20.78 15.75 in a safe room proved to be a quite a
challenge. The Marines had to drill
Repair Availability Status through steel walls to reach the sus-
picious sailors. The crew was finally
56-Hour 56-Hour Monthly Monthly Daily Hourly persuaded that they were being res-
Monthly Daily Benefit Benefit Benefit Overtime cued when a Marine ripped the Amer-
Rating Base Wage Base Wage Base Wage Wage Rate ican flag patch from his uniform and
stuffed it through a hole the rescuers
QMED-Electrician 4,944.35 164.81 3,206.34 534.39 17.81 26.33
had bored in the final steel door.
Storekeeper 4,759.22 158.64 3,065.62 510.94 17.03 25.23
It was the first boarding raid
QMED-Oiler 3,387.42 112.91 2,024.00 337.33 11.24 16.98
since the multinational task force
Wiper 2,462.08 82.07 1,869.74 311.62 10.39 15.75
was formed in January 2009 to patrol
off the Horn of Africa. There were no
injuries reported among the Marines
PM3 PROGRAM - USNS MARTIN or 11–member crew of the Magellan
Star. The pirates were armed with
Full Operating Status AK–47 assault rifles, but there were
no shots fired on either side.
56-Hour 56-Hour Monthly Monthly Daily Hourly The ship was traveling from Bil-
Monthly Daily Benefit Benefit Benefit Overtime bao, Spain, to Singapore with a cargo
Rating Base Wage Base Wage Base Wage Wage Rate of anchor chains. A Turkish frigate
QMED-Electrician 6,433.96 214.47 4,992.03 2,329.61 77.65 29.41 on anti–piracy patrols, TCG GOK-
QMED-Pumpman 6,257.09 208.57 4,854.75 2,265.55 75.52 28.60 CEADA, first responded to a distress
Storekeeper 6,004.33 200.14 4,658.49 2,173.96 72.47 27.48 call from the ship, which flies the flag
Oiler Maintenance Utility 4,429.66 147.66 3,436.72 1,603.80 53.46 20.32 of Antigua and Barbuda. The MAGEL-
Wiper 3,317.04 110.57 2,573.53 1,200.98 40.03 17.19 LAN STAR crew, comprised of Pol-
ish, Russian, Ukrainian and Filipino
QMED*** 6,433.96 214.47 4,992.03 2,329.61 77.65 29.41 seamen, was able to maintain contact
with maritime officials from their
***Additional rating in Afloat Forward Staging Base Status only. safe room using a satellite phone.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 THE MARINE FIREMAN Page 7
Laborers returning to AFL-CIO NOAA commissions new research ship
Federal officials last
On August 15, following unani- troduced a program for reform of the
month commissioned the RV
mous approval of its General Execu- AFL-CIO.
BELL M SHIMADA, a state-
tive Board, the Laborers Internation- The LIUNA, caught up in Change
of-the-art research vessel
al Union of North America (LIUNA) to Win’s dissident and misguided re-
that will study a wide range
announced that it is re-affiliating form attempt, finally disaffiliated
of marine life and ocean con-
with the AFL-CIO. Re-affiliation will from the AFL-CIO in June 2006. At
ditions along the West Coast.
become effective October 1. that time, the union expressed hope
The vessel is the fourth of a
LIUNA President Terence O’Sul- for an eventual reunification and
new class of ships designed
livan said in his statement: “Despite continued to organize much of its po-
to meet the NOAA Marine
the historic success of the 2008 fed- litical efforts through the AFL-CIO.
Fisheries Service’s specific
eral elections, too much is not getting In the summer of 2009, the Unit- The BELL M SHIMADA was
data collection requirements and the
done on Capitol Hill. A united union ed Brotherhood of Carpenters disaf- named by a team of students from
International Council for Exploration
movement can better focus Congress filiated from Change to Win. After a Marina High School in Monterey, Ca-
of the Seas’ standards for a low acous-
— and particularly the U.S. Senate — bitter and divisive internal battle, lif., who won a regional NOAA con-
tic signature. The ship’s capabilities
on helping to lead our nation, rather a third of the members of UNITE test to name the vessel. The ship’s
include a sophisticated sonar system
than being locked in inaction.” HERE (formed by merger of UNITE namesake served with the Bureau
and equipment for deploying buoys
The path to disaffiliation be- and HERE in 2004) left that union of Fisheries and Inter-American
and sensor-packed underwater vehi-
gan in 2003, when the LIUNA, the and joined SEIU. The remaining Tropical Tuna Commission, and was
cles. In addition to studying fish and
Service Employees International 265,000 members of UNITE HERE known for his contributions to the
marine mammals, researchers will
Union (SEIU), the United Brother- re-affiliated with the AFL-CIO on study of tropical Pacific tuna stocks,
also use the ship to observe marine
hood of Carpenters (UBC), the Union September 16, 2009. which were important to the devel-
bird population.
of Needletrades, Industrial and Tex- opment of West Coast commercial
tile Employees (UNITE) and the Ho- Japan agrees to pay fisheries following World War II.
tel Employees and Restaurant Em-
ployees Union (HERE) informally $498 million toward Benefits paid Bell M. Shimada’s son, Allen, is a
fisheries scientist with NOAA’s Fish-
joined together as the New Unity
Partnership (NUP). The NUP had no Guam buildup during August eries Service.
Launched in September 2008,
formal structure but pushed for co- the 208-foot ship was built for NOAA
According to a report in Stars and Death Benefits
ordinated, industry-based organiz- by VT Halter Marine Inc., in Moss
Stripes, Japan has agreed to provide None
ing campaigns and additional em- Point, Mississippi, as part of the
phasis on organizing. The NUP was $497.8 million in construction funds Burial Benefits NOAA fleet replacement strategy to
dissolved in 2005, but its member this year for the U.S. military buildup Robert Howard, P-2274 $1,000.00 provide world-class platforms for
unions, joined by the Teamsters, the on Guam. U.S. Ambassador John Roos U.S. scientists. The ship will operate
United Farm Workers (UFWA) and met with Japan Foreign Minister Kat- Excess Medical $5,366.65
primarily in U.S. waters from Wash-
the United Food and Commercial suya Okada in Tokyo to finalize the ar- ington State to southern California.
Glasses and Examinations $1,000.00
Workers (UFCW), created a new co- rangement, part of a 2006 agreement
alition — Change to Win — which in- to realign military forces in Japan.
The money will be used to build MFOW member pensioned
Montreal dockers and design U.S. military base facili-
ties as well as a fire station, port op- Sea Time
and employers agree erations headquarters and medical
clinic as the island prepares for the
Name
William Lambert 3695
Book No. Pension Type
SIU PD Disability
Years
25.255
Effective
1/2010
to labor pact arrival of 8,600 Marines from Okina-
wa within the next few years.
Six weeks after a five-day stop- The funding announcement came HOWZ SHIPPING
page disrupted shipping on the St. a day after Prime Minister Naoto Kan August 2010
Lawrence Seaway, 850 longshore- prevailed in a Democratic Party of
men at the Port of Montreal and the San Francisco Wilmington
Japan election for party leadership
Maritime Employers Association against a challenger who wanted to Reefer/Electrician/Jr. Engineer ......2 Electrician/Reefer/Jr. Engineer ......7
have hammered out a four-year con- reopen discussions on base realign- Junior Engineer (Day)........................1 Reefer/Electrician/Jr. Engineer ......3
tract retroactive to January 2009, ac- ment issues. Junior Engineer (Watch) ...................2 Junior Engineer (Day)........................3
cording to The Montreal Gazette. The The announcement came less Oiler .......................................................4 Fireman/Watertender ........................1
agreement provides higher pay and than a week before the U.S. Navy was Wiper .....................................................2 Shore Mechanic...................................7
benefits and a measure of labor flex- scheduled to announce a final plan Shore Mechanic...................................7 Standby ...............................................33
ibility sought by the employers. on how and where to locate the Ma- Standby .................................................9 TOTAL .........................................54
The longshoremen, members of rines, visiting aircraft carrier facili- TOTAL .........................................27
Local 375 of the Canadian Union of ties and a missile defense operation
Public Employees, agreed to a new Seattle Honolulu
on Guam. Construction is likely to be-
voluntary retirement system, under Reefer/Electrician/Jr. Engineer ......2 Oiler .......................................................2
gin soon after that Navy record of de-
which employers could reduce the cision is made. Oiler .......................................................3 Wiper .....................................................1
workforce while avoiding layoffs. About $352 million of the Japan Wiper .....................................................1 Shore Mechanic...................................2
The MEA had sought to end the prac- funding will be used to build and de- Standby .................................................4 Standby .................................................4
tice whereby longshoremen were sign base facilities in the Finegayan TOTAL ..........................................10 TOTAL .......................................... 9
paid full-time to be on standby, say- area of Guam, including an admin-
ing it was too costly and threatened
the Port’s competitiveness. The long-
shoremen had cited income and job
istrative building, Marine Logistic
Group headquarters, police station,
training complex, enlisted dining fa-
Political Action Fund
security as the key issues. cility and bachelor enlisted quarters. Voluntary donations of $20.00 Charles Hoey, #3843 ..................100.00
The MEA stated the contract The money will also be used to build or more for August 2010: Deane Lindbloom, JM-4893.....100.00
agreement will improve stability and a $25 million fire station in Finegaya, Richard Brown, #3789 ..............$30.00 Joel McCrum, P-2536 ..................25.00
competitiveness at the Port of Mon- a $96 million medical clinic and a $25 Roger Brucks, #3468 ...................25.00 Jacob Macias, #3850 ....................20.00
treal and the increased workforce million port operations headquar- “Cajun” Callais, #3592..............100.00 Richard Manley, #3747 ...............20.00
flexibility and voluntary retirement ters in Apra. Rocky Casazza, #3757..................20.00 Anthony Petrovich, P-2633 ......100.00
option will give rate stability for Port The troop movement, from Oki- Bonny Coloma, #3537 ..................25.00 Henry Toscano, P-1899 ...............20.00
users. The pact also provides for an nawa to Guam, is part of a strategy to Adolfo Hernandez, #3349 ........100.00
additional contribution from the em- decrease troops in Japan and bolster
ployers to help the union cover its un-
funded pension liability.
the U.S.-controlled island in the Pacif-
ic. Overall, the buildup would perma-
MARINE FIREMAN SUBSCRIPTIONS,
America’s Cup Update nently ring about 34,000 new people H&B AND VOLUNTARY PAF DONATIONS
to Guam. About a quarter of the 1,800
Continued from page one new civilian Department of Defense Please use the following form.
PENSION or
Council Economic Institute and Bea- jobs would be hired from island resi-
con Economics that forecast an infu- dents. The military would expand and NAME (Print) BOOK NO.
sion of $1.4 billion in the Bay Area’s use much of Guam’s utility infrastruc-
economy and the creation of 8,800 ture for power, sewage and trash. STREET
jobs, from prep cooks to engineers.
The study also estimated a total infu- CITY STATE ZIP
sion of $1.9 billion in the state’s econ-
omy and 12,000 jobs statewide.
HONOR ROLL Check box: U.S. & POSSESSIONS OVERSEAS
Although none of the three front Voluntary donations to General Yearly Subscriptions: First Class $10.00 ❑ Air (AO) Mail $25.00 ❑
runners has a clear advantage, San Treasury — August 2010:
Francisco holds place of prominence Second Class $8.00 ❑
Richard Brown, #3789............. $30.00
for BMW ORACLE Racing founder
“Cajun” Callais, #3592 ............... 50.00
Larry Ellison, who would like to host Pensioners’ Hospital & Burial $6.00 ❑
Thomas Davis, #3647 ................ 100.00
the event on his home waters. BMW
Deane Lindbloom, JM-4893...... 40.00
ORACLE Racing won the right to de- Voluntary Political Action Fund Donation ❑ $_____________
Archie Spivey, P-978 ................390.40*
termine the next venue for the Amer-
George Trainor, N/A................. 100.00 Please make checks payable to: MARINE FIREMEN’S UNION
ica’s Cup when it won the 33rd Match
last February against Alinghi, 2-0, *In addition to voluntary check-off Address envelope to: 240 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
off the coast of Valencia, Spain. from monthly pension
Page 8 THE MARINE FIREMAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
I checked the Matson Navigation The MLK County Labor Council Since the last meeting, we dis- As for the L.A. County Fed, they
Company vessels MV MANOA and SS requested that we appear before Se- patched a total of 54 billets, 33 of were getting ready for a number of
KAUAI in August. Each called Seat- attle mayor Mike McGinn’s Commit- them being standbys, as listed in events that were scheduled to take
tle twice for routine visits. The SS tee on Economic Recovery to help Howz Shipping. place on Labor Day.
MAUI shifted from Terminal 25 to guide him on which jobs are im- This past month I attended the Made most of the ships contract-
Todd Shipyard and is not expected portant to the Seattle/King County usual meetings with the L.A. Coun- ed by the MFOW and took care of the
to be put into service until next year. Area. This was a small meeting with ty Fed and the Maritime Trades De- beefs that came up
The Patriot Contract Services the mayor and two of his staffers; partment. At the MTD meeting, we
With respect,
vessel USNS WATERS called for a Lee Newgent, President of the King planned our next vocational cruise,
Robert Bugarin
full crew to bring the ship out of the County Building Trades, Berit Eriks- which we hope can take place this
Port Agent
shipyard and will sail from the East son and me. Berit was here on vaca- month.
Coast through the Panama Canal to tion and volunteered to assist.
the West Coast. Shipping has been We explained that the need for
very good for members with all rat-
ings and for members or applicants
qualified sailors is strong. Personnel
in high demand are Coast Guard-en- Wilmington Labor Day march
who have obtained MSC training cer- dorsed Electricians, Refrigeration
tifications. We can put you to work! Engineers and Unlicensed Junior
I represented the SUP and MFOW Engineers. We asserted that certain
at the Martin Luther King County skilled, unemployed shoreside per-
Labor Council meetings. The Wash- sonnel could be immediately em-
ington State Labor Council Conven- ployable in the maritime industry, if
tion was held this year in Tacoma. the mayor and his staff would focus
The SUP, MFOW, MEBA, MM&P, IBU training in that area. Mayor McGinn
and SIU, joined by the Metal Trades, and his staff were genuinely excited
put forward a resolution in support with that news. The meeting also of-
of the Jones Act. Steve Walker from fered us another opportunity to ed-
MEBA and Brett Olsson of IBEW Lo- ucate the mayor on the value of the
cal 46 are to be commended for tak- Port of Seattle to the City of Seattle’s
ing the microphone and speaking economic prosperity.
eloquently and passionately on the
importance of the Jones Act. The Respectfully,
resolution was passed unanimously Vince O’Halloran
and without debate. Seattle Representative
Left to right: Michael Stevens, Jr., JM-4775; Mike Campbell, JM-4726; MFOW
Vice President William OBrien; Martin Irwin, #3670 and Wilmington Port
Agent Robert Bugarin manned the MFOW booth at Banning Park.
In the month of ships’ delegates and
August, I dispatched 1 the shoregang delegate
shipboard job to Mat- for the great job they
son, 2 shipboard jobs continue to do in re-
to Patriot, 2 shore solving any problems
maintenance mechan- that occur. There were
ic jobs and 4 standby no problems reported.
wiper jobs, a total of 9 Ships that arrived
jobs as listed in Howz in the port of Honolu-
Shipping. Eighteen 2010 Labor Unity Picnic — lu: R.J. PFEIFFER, MV
members are regis- Waikiki Shell MOKIHANA, MV MAN-
tered as follows: 12 As, ULANI, SS KAUAI, MV
(l to r): MM&P rep Randy
1 B and 5 Cs. MAHIMAHI, MV MAU-
Swindell, Congressional
All jobs are being NAWILI, MV MANOA
candidate Colleen Hana-
rotated as per ship- and MV MAUNALEI.
busa, SUP Port Agent Mike
ping rules. Shipping Here in Honolu-
Dirksen, MFOW Port Agent
is good here. All mem- lu all maritime unions
Bonny Coloma.
bers are continually support Colleen Hana-
encouraged to keep busa’s (D) campaign for
all required documents and certifi- First Congressional District. Con-
cates current to ship. gresswoman Hanabusa supports the
A few of our members and non- Jones Act and cabotage laws that
seniority members have applied for maintain the U. S. merchant marine MFOW and SUP members, families and friends prepare for the Annual
Damage Control training in order to fleet of our nation. Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition Labor Day March.
add one more certificate needed to Pensioner George “Shorty” To-
secure MFU jobs. This month a job kumitsu volunteered his time to rep-
opportunity came when the USNS resent the MFOW at a scheduled
GORDON crewed up. One member sign-waving in support of Hana-
and one new applicant were dis- busa’s campaign. Mahalo, brother
patched to these jobs. George, for your time and support in
The month went by so quickly this effort.
that only two standby wiper billets
Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii,
were dispatched to keep company
ships running smooth, safe and well Bonny S. Coloma
maintained. Port Agent
I would like to thank all our
Regular membership Finished
meeting dates 2010
Oct. 4 S.F. Headquarters
With
12* Branches engines
Nov. 1 S.F. Headquarters
8 Branches
James Rangel, Jr., #1377.
Dec. 6 S.F. Headquarters Born February 27, 1926, Visalia,
13 Branches California. Joined MFOW July
2, 1945. Pensioned February 1, Left to right: Jeff Hayes, #3702 and son; Mike Campbell, JM-4726; Henry
(*Indicates Tuesday meeting 2002. Deceased August 24, 2010, Trejo, JM-4709; MFOW Vice President William OBrien; Robert Torres, #3687;
following a Monday holiday) Daly City, CA. pensioner George Culling; Karl Nitschke, #3676; Wilmington Port Agent Robert
Bugarin and Michael Stevens, Jr., JM-4775.
