official organ of the pacific coast marine firemen, oilers, watertenders … 11.pdf · ·...

The Marine FireManOfficial Organ of the Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association

Volume 73 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 No. 11

AFL-CIO pledges to join, fight and win together

Continued on page 2

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka addresses the delegates in St. Louis.

On October 22, more than 1,200 union delegates, including MFOW President Anthony Poplawski, and con-vention attendees joined together in St. Louis, Missouri for the AFL-CIO 2017 Convention. The following is a summa-ry of the convention:

Day One — The convention dele-gates unanimously re-elected Richard Trumka (Mine Workers) as president, Liz Shuler (Electrical Workers) as secre-tary-treasurer, and Tefere Gebre (Unit-ed Food and Commercial Workers) as executive vice president of the AFL-CIO. In addition, delegates elected 55 vice presidents who will serve as the Ex-ecutive Council for a four-year term.

In his acceptance speech, Trumka said, “I am proud to stand before you and tell you we’re going to go forward toward a better day for all working peo-ple. Our opponents are tough. They’re well-heeled and ruthless. But their deep pockets can’t overcome our deep pas-sion for a fairer and more just nation. I say, bring it on! America is hungry for change. Change doesn’t just happen —we will make it happen the same way our predecessors stared down the barrel

of a harsh economic and political real-ity — and even guns — to form the labor movement. A new day. A better day. For you, and me. Our children and grand-children. We’ll join together. We’ll fight together. We’ll win together, brothers and sisters, because we do the work. This is our country, and it’s high time that we took it back!”

In her acceptance speech, Shuler said, “How do we fight for good jobs when they are increasingly automated or dis-torted as the nation’s social compact is under relentless attack? We have reached a tipping point — just focusing on pro-tecting what we have is far more danger-ous than taking risks. When automation threatens millions of jobs in the not-too-distant future...we can’t afford to be cau-tious. When millions of people use their power online to oust CEOs and advo-cate for change, we need to harness that activism and use it to build a massive movement of working people. Together we can build the support, leadership and encouragement for more unions to get in the game, experiment and find new strategies for success.”

In his acceptance speech, Gebre said, “Sisters and brothers, these are tough times. For our country. For our move-ment. For our communities. Between black and white. Between immigrant and native-born. But even in the face of these challenges, I have hope. Hope of a brighter day. Hope of a stronger tomor-row. Hope of an America with liberty and justice for all. Sisters and brothers, this is a job for the labor movement!

The delegates approved the follow-ing resolutions:

Resolution 7 — Reviving Our Com-munities and Putting Millions to Work Rebuilding the Country

Resolution 10 — Encouraging Union Members to Run for Public Office

Resolution 16 — Inclusion and Equi-ty: Ensuring Equity and Inclusion Inter-nally and Externally

Resolution 24 — Fighting Together for Workers in Manufacturing

Resolution 29 — Resolution Sup-porting 100 Percent Buy American for Defense Procurement

Resolution 56 — The Humanitarian Crisis in Puerto Rico and the Need for Immediate Federal Action

Day Two — Trumka opened the sec-ond day of the Convention and talk-ed about the importance of unions to democracy:

“Millennials have never lived in an America where wages are growing, or worked in an economy where hard work and productivity blazed a trail into the middle class. They have never experi-enced an economy where more than 1 in 10 workers have the freedom to belong to a union and bargain together. The Amer-ican idea that anything is possible if you work hard and play by the rules simply does not exist for many young people.

In other words, the attacks on the backbone of our nation—working peo-ple—constitutes nothing less than a clear and present danger to our de-mocracy. So we are going to fight back. Smartly. Strategically. As one united movement. That is the primary focus of today’s session.

We are going to fight back against right to work, here in Missouri and

across the country. We are going to fight back against attacks on our wages, ben-efits and freedom to negotiate for good jobs. And we are going to fight back against the right-wing propaganda ma-chine that continues to slander unions and our members. We’re going to do it by organizing.”

The delegates approved the follow-ing resolutions:

Resolution 3 — Engaging Our Mem-bers to Build Strong Unions

Resolution 4 — Organizing to Win Power for Working People

Resolution 13 — Freedom to Spend Time with Family

Resolution 15 — AFL-CIO Prioritiz-ing Organizing and Growth of Affiliate Unions — All in the Service of Helping Working People Organize

Resolution 25 — Criminal Justice Reform: A System of Corrections and Rehabilitation That Prioritizes Correc-tions and Rehabilitation

Resolution 43 — I AM 2018 Program to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Resolution 44 — Resolution in Sup-port of Public Education

Resolution 45 — Janus Resolution Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha addressed

the delegates on the Flint water crisis. Here are some excerpts of her remarks:

“It’s an honor to be here today at the AFL-CIO’s 28th Constitutional Con-vention. My mom was a proud union teacher. My dad was a General Motors employee, benefiting from the contracts between the UAW and GM. My brother is a labor lawyer at a Washington, D.C.,

Halls to close — holiday scheduleThe MFOW hiring halls will be closed in observance of the following contract

holidays:Thursday, November 23 — Thanksgiving DayMonday, December 25 — Christmas Day Monday, January 1, 2018 — New Year’s Day Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve — Christmas Eve (December 24) and New

Year’s Eve (December 31) are ILWU holidays on the West Coast and therefore rec-ognized MFOW holidays aboard APL and Matson vessels in Pacific Coast ports.

For members working under the MFOW Maintenance Agreements, these holi-days shall be observed in accordance with local custom and practice.

Members are reminded that no shipping cards will be stamped at the regular business meetings immediately preceding and following the holidays.

Jack Hall Day — Jack Hall Day is an ILWU Local 142 holiday and will be ob-served in Hawaii on January 2, 2018.

Senior AFL-CIO Executive Board member Mike Sacco chaired the meeting during the election of officials.

The Marine FiremanPublished Monthly By

The Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association

ORGANIZED 1883

Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO

Yearly subscription rate: $20 first class, $25 overseas airPostmaster: Send address changes to The Marine Fireman, 240 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

T H E M A R I N E F I R E M A N THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Marine Firemen’s UnionDirectory

www.mfoww.org

HEADQUARTERS

240 Second Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

Tel: (415) 362-4592/4593/4594

Fax: (415) 348-8864

Dispatcher-Tel: (415) 362-7593

Dispatcher-Fax: (415) 348-8896

General Email: [email protected]

Anthony Poplawski

President/Secretary-Treasurer

Email: [email protected]

I. "Cajun" Callais

Vice President


Robert Baca

Business Agent


Karen Mohr, Controller


Sandra Serrano, Secretary/Training


MFOW TRUST FUNDS

240 Second Street


Tel: (415) 986-1028 / 986-5720

Fax: (415) 546-7340


Esther Hernandez

HMO Eligibility/Death Benefits


Amanda Salinas

Medical Claims/Optical Benefits


Peggy Artau

Money Purchase & Pension Benefits

Tel: (415) 362-1653

Fax: (415) 348-8864



WILMINGTON BRANCH

533-B Marine Avenue

Wilmington, CA 90744

Tel: (310) 830-0470

Fax: (310) 835-9367

H. "Sonny" Gage, Port Agent


HONOLULU BRANCH

707 Alakea Street

Honolulu, HI 96813

Tel: (808) 538-6077

Fax: (808) 531-3058

Mario Higa, Port Agent


PORT SERVICED — SEATTLE

4005 - 20th Avenue West, Suite 115

Seattle, WA 98199

Tel: (206) 467-7944

Fax: (206) 467-8119

Brendan Bohannon, Representative


Continued from page 1

AFL-CIO pledges to join, fight and win together

Alameda Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Josie Camacho pictured debating the resolution on immigration and citizenship.

María Elena Durazo, former Executive Secretary-Trea-surer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, de-bating the criminal justice reform resolution. Durazo is running in the 2018 election for a California Senate seat representing parts of Los Angeles.

labor law firm. We are a union family.”Day Three — Trumka opened the

third day of the Convention and talked about economic rules and an indepen-dent political voice. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler spoke on the future of work. The delegates approved the fol-lowing resolutions:

Resolution 2 — An Independent Po-litical Voice

Resolution 5 — Commission on the Future of Work and Unions

Resolution 6 — Making Health Care for All a Reality

Resolution 8 — Working People Will Lead the Fight for a Global New Deal on Trade

Resolution 11 — Solidarity and De-mocracy — Reaffirming the Labor Movement’s Mission in the Face of the Threat of Hate

Resolution 12 — Immigration and Citizenship

Resolution 14 — Voting Rights: Building an Inclusive Pro-Voter De-mocracy to Move a Winning Agenda for Working People

Resolution 17 — Building Power for Working People in the Global Economy

Resolution 18 — Tax and Budget Pol-icies Should Put Working People First

Resolution 21 — Holding Wall Street Accountable

Resolution 22 — Immigration En-forcement: Building Community Trust

Resolution 40 — Rejecting the Priva-tization of Veterans’ Health Care

Resolution 41 — Federal and D.C. Government Workers Deserve Fair Treatment

Resolution 42 — Supporting an Apo-litical, Professional, Merit-Based Civil Service

Resolut ion 46 — Support Postal Financial Services and Postal Banking

Resolut ion 47 — Condemn Rising Fascism, Fight for Working-Class Unity

Resolution 48 — Exploring New Di-rections for Labor in Electoral Politics

Resolution 55 — Climate Change, Energy and Union Jobs

Day Four — Trumka opened the fourth day of the convention and dis-cussed the Workers’ Bill of Rights:

“Sisters and brothers, working peo-ple need a bill of rights. A collective bar-gaining agreement for America. This will serve as a platform for our members to rally around. It will give prospective members a clear statement of our values. And it will provide political candidates and elected officials with a litmus test for our support. We simply refuse to accept the reality of struggling to make ends meet in the richest country in the world at its richest point in history. And so we demand rights that ensure we are able, through our work, to lead better lives.”

The delegates adopted the following resolutions:

Resolution 1 — Workers’ Bill of Rights — AFL-CIO calls for the creation of a Workers’ Bill of Rights

Resolution 9 — Rewriting the Rules: Making the Freedom to Join Together and Negotiate a Reality for All Workers

Resolution 19 — Diverse and Inclu-sive Leadership for a Thriving Labor Movement

Resolution 20: Full Employment and a $15 Minimum Wage

Resolution 23 — Safe Jobs: Every Worker’s Right

Resolution 26 — The Solidarity Cen-ter-Twenty Years of Standing Up For Workers Around the World

Resolution 27 — Resolution Cele-brating Ullico Inc.’s 90th Anniversary

Resolution 36 — Celebrating DPE: 40 Years of Growing Professional Union Membership

Resolution 38 — National Law En-forcement Officers Memorial Fund Mu-seum and Memorial

Resolution 50 — War Is Not the Answer

In addition to the main program, there were several workshops and sym-posiums available to the delegates cov-ering a wide range of domestic and glob-al labor-related issues.

APL renews Kaohsiung terminal lease

Last month, an agreement was signed between American President Lines LLC, Taiwan Branch and Taiwan Internation-al Ports Corporation Ltd, to renew APL’s terminal lease at the Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The signed deal retains APL’s current terminal plot in the Kaohsiung port for another 10 years from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2027.

The terminal currently receives the vessels of APL and other carriers includ-ing CMA CGM. With an annual capac-ity of 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), the facility boasts a produc-tivity rate that tops 36 container moves per hour. Operating two cargo berths with a linear quay length of 640 meters and draft of 15.2 meters, the APL-operat-ed terminal is well-situated and equipped to handle ships of up to 14,000 TEU.

The 101-acre terminal also comprises a container freight station, a 21,000-TEU yard, three maintenance and repair work-shops, two warehouses and two gas sta-tions that provide value-added onsite lo-gistics support to APL shippers. In the months ahead, APL will upgrade its termi-nal operating system, increasing its capa-bility to enhance operational excellence.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 T H E M A R I N E F I R E M A N

California Labor Federation:Final Action on Labor’s Key 2017 Priorities

The 2017 legislative session has come to an end and Labor won many signifi-cant victories this working people. We fought off a number of federal assaults on health care, environmental protection, and immigrant communities, while fighting to maintain workers’ rights and create good jobs in California. We defeated Big Phar-ma by passing the strongest bill on prescription drug pricing transparency in the na-tion. Long-awaited investment in transportation and affordable housing would not have happened without strong Labor support. The renewal of cap and trade ensured funding to high-speed rail and transit jobs, while helping us meet our state’s climate goals. In addition to these efforts that each required a two-thirds vote, Labor passed numerous other bills to support our members, give more workers the tools to orga-nize, and expand protections for all Californians.

2017 is the first year in a two-year session that so many additional measures remain in the Legislature and may move forward in January 2018. Below is a summary of key Labor priority bills passed by the Legislature and acted upon by the Governor in 2017:

RIGHT TO ORGANIZE AND IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONSAB 119 (Budget): Provides union access to all new employee orientations in the

public sector and requires that detailed employee contact information lists be pro-vided to the union more often. SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 306 (Hertzberg): Allows a worker who is fired for reporting labor violations to seek immediate reinstatement based on the chilling effect the firing would have on the entire workforce. (State Fed, Building Trades and SEIU sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 134 (Budget): Requires that any electric vehicle manufacturer receiving pub-lic subsidies under the cap and trade program be certified by the state as a fair and responsible employer and prohibits the use of public funds for fully automated cargo handling equipment that eliminates port jobs. SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 83 (Santiago): Gives Judicial Council employees the right to organize. (SEIU Local 1000 sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 670 (Thurmond): Makes part-time playground workers part of classified workforce. (CSEA sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 201 (Skinner): Gives 14,000 Research Assistants (RAs) at the UC the right to organize. (UAW sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 285 (Atkins): Prohibits public employers from discouraging workers from joining or continuing their union membership. (State Fed, SEIU, AFSCME and CNA sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 1606 (Cooper): Along with several other tribal gaming compacts, creates thousands of good jobs with new casinos to be built and operated by union workers. (UNITEHERE and Building Trades sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 55 (Thurmond): Requires refineries to disclose contracts they claim are ex-empt from skilled and trained workforce requirements to state agencies. (Building Trades sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 1513 (Kalra): Would have given homecare unions access to homecare work-er registry so they could provide training and offer assistance. (SEIU sponsored) VETOED

HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND COST CONTROLSB 17 (Hernandez): Requires pharmaceutical companies to provide 60 days ad-

vance notice and a justification before raising a drug price more than 16 percent over two years. (State Fed and UNITEHERE sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 687 (Skinner): Would have given the Attorney General greater oversight when a hospital sought to eliminate emergency room services. (SEIU sponsored) VETOED

WAGE THEFT AND WORKERS RIGHTSSB 96 (Budget): Added 82 new positions and $11.4 million over the next two

years to the Labor Commissioner’s enforcement budget. Provided new tools for im-proving labor law enforcement and allowed Labor Commissioner to levy penalties on public agencies that knowingly hire unregistered contractors and subcontractors. SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 1701 (Thurmond): Holds general contractors liable when a subcontractor fails to pay wages. (Building Trades and Carpenters sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 603 (Quirk Silva): Gives family childcare providers tools to ensure they are paid fairly such as access to direct deposit, notification of changes to eligibility for subsidies, and itemization of payments by family. (UDW/AFSCME 3930 sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 568 (Gonzalez Fletcher): Would have required school employers to provide at least 6 weeks of paid maternity leave. (CFT sponsored) VETOED

AB 621 (Bocanegra): Would have allowed classified employees to withhold a portion of their salary to be paid during the unpaid summer break. (SEIU sponsored) VETOED

SB 550 (Pan): Allows an employee organization to pursue attorney’s fee from the employer when they reject a settlement offer. (CSEA sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

PROTECT IMMIGRANT WORKERSAB 450 (Chiu): Requires that immigration enforcement agents have a judicial

warrant before entering a business to detain workers and a subpoena before accessing worker records. (State Fed and SEIU sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 699 (O’Donnell): Protects students, parents, and school employees by cre-ating standards and safety protocols to prevent immigration enforcement actions at school facilities. (CTA sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 21 (Kalra): Protects undocumented college students by restricting immigra-tion enforcement on campus, providing healthcare access, and maintaining DACA financial aid. (CFA sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 54 (de Leon): Limits local law enforcement from cooperating in immigration enforcement. SIGNED INTO LAW

PUT LABOR STANDARDS ON PUBLIC FUNDSAB 199 (Chu): Ensures that projects receiving public funding from redevelop-

ment successor agencies are subject to prevailing wage. (Building Trades sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 618 (Low): Expands authorization to use Job Order Contracting to commu-nity colleges where they use a Project Labor Agreement. (Building Trades sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 1066 (Aguiar-Curry): Adds tree removal work to the definition of pub-lic works to ensure those workers get paid prevailing wage. (Laborers sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 574 (Lara): Would have prevented contracting out at the UC that undercuts existing worker wages and benefits. (AFSCME sponsored) VETOED

INFRASTRUCTURE/CAP AND TRADESB 1 (Beall): Raises $52 billion for street and highway repairs and maintenance

over ten years by increasing the gas and diesel tax. SIGNED INTO LAW AB 398 (E. Garcia)/AB 617 (C. Garcia): Extends cap and trade program to en-

sure California meets its SB 32 emission reduction targets and improve air quality for communities most affected by pollution. SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 109 (Budget): Invests significant new resources into state and local firefight-ing services to prevent and prepare for increased fire risk created by climate change. (CPF sponsored provision) SIGNED INTO LAW

HOUSINGSB 2 (Atkins): Creates a permanent funding source for affordable housing with

a $75 fee on financial transactions on property such as refinances. SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 3 (Beall): Authorizes a housing bond for $4 billion to fund existing affordable housing programs. SIGNED INTO LAW

SB 35 (Weiner)/AB 73 (Chiu)/SB 540 (Roth): Allows streamlining for certain housing developments with prevailing wage and skilled workforce requirements. SIGNED INTO LAW

PRESERVE CEQAAB 890 (Medina): Would have prevented developers from using the initiative

process to circumvent the requirement to do an environmental review. (Building Trades sponsored) VETOED

AB 246 (Santiago): Extends the “AB 900 process” that allows projects that meet high environmental and labor standards to undergo expedited CEQA judicial review. (Building Trades sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

EXPAND WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETYAB 402 (Thurmond): Would have required Cal/OSHA to enact a standard to

protect workers from plume exposure (CNA sponsored) VETOED AB 1461 (Thurmond): Would have required a food handler working at a com-

pany doing meal subscriptions to get a food handler certificate. (UFCW sponsored) VETOED

SB 432 (Pan): Requires county health officers to immediately notify emergency medical personnel if they have been exposed to a communicable disease while trans-porting a patient. (Firefighter sponsored) SIGNED INTO LAW

UNDERMINE PUBLIC EDUCATIONAB 1217 (Bocanegra): Would have authorized a state-approved STEM school,

with privatized oversight, that bypasses state and local control. (Opposed by State Fed, SEIU, CSEA, CFT, CTA, UTLA) BILL WAS NOT TAKEN UP ON THE SEN-ATE FLOOR

San Pedro Bay ports approve new clean air strategies

The governing boards of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach unan-imously approved the 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) update, ushering in a new era of aggressive clean air strate-gies for moving cargo through the na-tion’s busiest container port complex. The document provides high-level guid-ance for accelerating progress toward a zero-emission future while protecting and strengthening the ports’ competi-tive position in the global economy.

The November 2 action sets in motion the process for developing and refining specific programs. The strategies include:

• Identifying clean engine mile-stones for new trucks entering the port drayage registries and creating a rate structure and incentives that en-courage faster turnover to near-zero and zero-emission trucks, with the goal of transitioning to a zero-emis-sion on-road drayage fleet by 2035. • Developing a universal truck res-

ervation system, staging yards, in-telligent transportation systems and other efficiency programs to reduce emissions while improving the flow of cargo.• Beginning in 2020, requiring ter-minal operators to deploy zero-emission equipment, if feasible, or the cleanest equipment available when procuring new cargo-handling equipment, with the goal of transi-tioning all terminal equipment to zero emissions by 2030.• Developing infrastructure plans to support terminal equipment elec-trification, alternative fuels and oth-er energy resource goals.• Expanding use of on-dock rail, with the long-term goal of moving 50 percent of all cargo leaving the ports by rail.As detailed implementation programs

are developed, they will be brought to each port’s harbor commission for approval.


MFOWPresident's

ReportBy Anthony Poplawski

MARINER CREDENTIALINGOn October 6, the Union received a notice from Ray Gillip, of Training Resourc-

es Ltd., regarding credentialing of unlicensed engine personnel. According to the Coast Guard, an applicant who has successfully completed the TRL training mod-ules for Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer, Oiler and Fireman-Watertender can be issued the Junior Engineer endorsement without testing provided he or she has met all other service and training requirements.

Moving forward, the following is the flow path (as determined by the MFOW Training Plan) for ratings advancement of MFOW members:

The above flow path, sponsored by the MFOW Training Plan, is designed for en-try-level mariners to balance work (sea time) and training in a step process which results in the mariner obtaining the Fireman-Watertender, Oiler, Junior Engineer, Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer, Pumpman-Machinist, RFPEW and AS-E en-dorsements over a three-to-five-year period.

When all Coast Guard-approved courses are available that lead to the endorse-ment of Electro-Technical Rating (ETR), the MFOW Training Plan will give prefer-ence to those members who have satisfactory sea service as Electrician, Reefer/Elec-trician or Electrician/Reefer/Junior.

SECOND STREETOn October 16, the Union received notice that San Francisco Public Works has

contracted with a company to begin construction of new infrastructure and safe-ty enhancements as part of the Second Street Streetscape Improvement Project on Second Street between Market and King Streets. Work will take place to improve water mains, improve sewer facilities, install new electrical and landscaping facili-ties, replace and enlarge sidewalks, install ADA ramps, install bus pads with board-ing islands and install a raised bicycle lane on both sides of Second Street.

Construction activity is expected to begin November 2017 and run through No-vember 2019. Work will take place Mondays through Fridays and on some weekends. MFOW members, staff and tenants can expect construction-related noise, vibration, dust, parking and traffic impacts, and disruption to normal neighborhood activity.

CONVENTIONSOn October 19-20, as one of the official delegates from the Seafarers Interna-

tional Union of North America (SIUNA), I attended the 2017 Quadrennial Conven-tion of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO held at the Marriot Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The theme of the Convention was Maritime: Gateway to the World. The Convention elected officers and established a long-term maritime plan for the future.

On October 22-25, also as one of the official delegates from the SIUNA, I attend-ed the 28th Constitutional Convention of the AFL-CIO. This Convention was held at the America’s Center in St. Louis. The theme of the Convention was Join Together — Fight Together — Win Together. Union members came to the convention amid a rising tide of energy and growing demand for real answers to the serious challeng-es working people face. The convention delegates elected officers and identified op-portunities to rewrite the nation’s economic rules, form and build unions, and make workers’ voices heard.

Step 5

Step 2Member applies for and completes the QMED – Fireman-Watertender/Oiler course at TRL, Ltd.

Step 3

Member applies for and completes the Rating Forming Part of an Engineer-ing Watch (RFPEW) course at TRL, Ltd.

Step 4Member applies for and obtains the Fireman-Watertender, Oiler and RFPEW endorsements from the Coast Guard.

While qualified as an RFPEW, member accumulates 180 days or more of additional MFOW-contracted sea time. This sea time could be in the capac-ity of QMED or Wiper.

Step 1

Entry-level member accumulates 180 days or more of MFOW-contracted sea time as Wiper.

Step 6Member applies for and completes the QMED – Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer course at TRL, Ltd.

Step 7

Member applies for and completes the Able Seafarer-Engine (AS-E) course at TRL, Ltd.

Step 8Member applies for and obtains the Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer, Junior Engineer and AS-E endorsements from the Coast Guard.

Step 9

While holding the endorsements of Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer, Junior Engineer, Fireman-Watertender, Oiler, RFPEW and AS-E, member accumulates 360 days or more of additional MFOW-contracted sea time.

Step 10Member applies for and completes the QMED – Pumpman-Machinist course at TRL.

Step 11

Member applies for and obtains the Pumpman-Machinist endorsement from the Coast Guard.

JOINT LABOR RELATIONS COMMITTEEBetween

MATSON NAVIGATION COMPANYAnd

SIU Pacific District (SUP, MFOW and SIU-AGLIW)Time: 11:00 a.m., October 31, 2017Place: San Francisco, California

Present: For Matson (the Company) For SIU Pacific District (the Union) Dale MacGillivray Gunnar Lundeberg Anthony Poplawski Nick MarroneMeeting was called by the Union to discuss one item.SS MauiOver a two-month period, there have been complaints submitted by the MFOW delegate aboard the SS Maui regarding the quality of the ship’s food service; spe-cifically, the definition of the third entrée for lunch and supper.The matter was referred to Matson labor relations and the MFOW, then to Joint Labor Relations Committee.For reference, the Joint Labor Relations Committee submits the following exam-ples of acceptable third entrée items:Examples of Acceptable Third Entrée Dishes• Beans and Franks• Beans and Sausage over Rice• Bell Peppers, Stuffed• Cabbage Rolls, Stuffed• Casserole, Cheese• Casserole, Ratatouille• Chicken or Beef Pot Pie• Chili and Beans over Rice• Chili Mac• Cold Plate, with Sliced Roast Beef, Fresh Tomato, Potato Salad & Horseradish Sauce• Omelet, Dinner• Pasta, Baked Stuffed Shells Pasta, Marinara• Pasta, Pesto • Pasta, with Ground Beef, Fresh Tomato, Mushroom and Spinach• Pasta, Zita with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Olives• Pepper Steak with Steamed Rice• Rice, Fried with Chicken, Beef, Pork or Seafood, and Vegetables• Salad, Chicken Caesar• Sausage with Onions and Peppers• Seafood, Stir Fried with Garlic and Spinach• Tofu with Vegetables, Szechuan Stir Fry• Turkey Ala King, with Fresh Vegetables and Steamed Rice• Vegetables, Fresh Stir FryThe above list is not an exclusive list. The purpose of the list is to provide exam-ples of acceptable third entrée offerings.For The Company For The Union/s/ Dale MacGillivray /s/ Gunnar Lundeberg /s/ Anthony Poplawski /s/ Nick Marrone

Active MFOW members

Retain your Welfare Fund eligibility.

MAIL or TURN IN all your Unfit for Duty slips to:

MFOW Welfare Fund, 240 Second Street



Last month I attended the San Fran-cisco Bay Area Maritime Trades De-partment Ports Council meeting, which is now back in session after the sum-mer recess. I also attended the Alameda Central Labor Council meetings, along with brother Bobby Baca.

The SF hall was paid an impromp-tu visit by former MFOW Vice Presi-dent William OBrien, who survived un-scathed from the recent hurricanes in Florida.

VESSEL RUNDOWNAll vessels called for Standby Wip-

ers and/or Standby Electrician/Reefers.Matson: The Lihue and Mokihana

are on the HON-LAX yo-yo run. We shipped a one-trip R/E relief to the Mat-sonia and pierheaded a Watch Jr. Engi-neer for a voluntary quit on the Maui. The ship is going into extended layup on November 22 (approximately). Both of these “old girls” are on the OAK-HON yo-yo run.

The Manoa had a new REJ shipped out of Seattle. We shipped a one-trip Watch Jr. to the Kauai, and she will need a relief R/E and two Watch Jrs. very shortly. Both of these “old girls” are on the Northwest triangle run.

The Mahimahi is finishing drydock-ing and was scheduled for crew flyout on November 8. She will return to the

Southwest triangle run.APLMS: The licensed and unli-

censed unions are in discussions with the company over the new safety policy in regards to PPE.

The APL Philippines was four days late arriving Oakland. We shipped one Wiper, and Seattle shipped the REJ. The APL China arrived Oakland three days late; shipped one ERJO. The APL Korea is running smooth and arrived three days late, but still ahead of the APL Belgium.

The Belgium had a long stay (approx-imately 12 days) at Dutch Harbor for major main engine repairs. Headquar-ters pierheaded an REJ to Dutch Harbor for an UFFD brother with a four-hour notice to fly! The new Reefer walked into the largest R/V loadout on record (over 650)! On her arrival at Oakland, the ship requested a relief Wiper with an RFPEW endorsement for possible watchstand-ing, if necessary. This billet was filled by one of our APL Day Jr. Engineers, who rose up to the occasion.

APL Gulf Express — no negative re-ports from the ship since the new ice cube machine was placed aboard. APL Guam — potable water supply is being tested by company consultants to pro-vide a solution. APL Saipan — running smoothly.

Respectfully,“Cajun” Callais

Vice President's Report

Business Agent's ReportFor the month of October, we dis-

patched the following jobs to Patriot Contract Services’ (PCS) vessels: USNS Charlton — One Wiper was flown out to Bayonne, New Jersey, for activation from drydock. USNS Shughart — one Electrician was flown out to Violet, Lou-isiana, in preparation for vessel turnover (approximately 45 days).

Cape Trinity activated October 19 following delay due to Hurricane Irma.

USNS Waters — Laid off the SIU Pacific District crew on October 12 in Jacksonville and is now gone from the fleet, never to be forgotten!

Matson: Cape Hudson crewed up in Portland shipyard for sea trial activa-tion and return to homeport at Pier 50, San Francisco. Cape Henry had a six-day turbo activation on short notice. She fin-ished sea trials and is back in ROS at Al-ameda Point. Both ships had full crews. The company was very pleased with all MFOW “cracker jack” crew members!

Moku Pahu was in Houston on Oc-tober 3 for a load-out of humanitarian cargo for Somalia in the “Horn of Afri-ca”; running smooth.

Fraternally, Bobby Baca

The 2017 Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO Qua-drennial Convention took place on October 19-20 at the Marriott Grand in St. Lou-is, Missouri. With a theme of Maritime — Gateway to the World, the convention fea-tured speakers from Capitol Hill, the military, local elect-ed officials, labor and the mar-itime industry. There were sev-eral resolutions carried by the delegates, as follows:

Now, therefore, be it re-solved that the MTD, its af-filiates and its Port Maritime Councils will…

Automation…continue to work to make sure that the new technol-ogies being introduced into our indus-try are done with safety in the forefront of planning and shall continue to stand for our members and other workers to make sure they reap the benefits of such change and are not cast overboard.

The Big Lie of the Right to Work…continue fighting to turn back these so-called “right-to-work” laws and expose them for what they really are.

Cabotage…continue to promote the Jones Act and other cabotage laws that improve the livelihoods of mariners and other union members.

Cargo Preference…continue to fight for cargo preference laws, which have numerous benefits for Americans and for men, women and children over-seas who are in need.

Domestic Shipbuilding…stand with our brothers and sisters from the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, and will continue to utilize every avail-able resource to maintain and revitalize domestic shipbuilding.

Grassroots Action…continue to support grassroots mobilizations that affect workers’ rights, including free-dom of association.

Health Care for All…work with members of Congress to create a health care system in which employers would either offer coverage or pay into a fund to finance coverage for uninsured work-ers while making sure that taxation of those with benefits is not included.

Infrastructure…continue our push to rebuild the United States and Canada to meet the challenges of the 21st centu-ry within our maritime systems, high-ways, schools, railroads, public water structures, power grids and airports.

Keeping the Promise to Miners and Workers…recognize the needs of the nation’s coal miners and renew our pledge to support our brothers and sis-ters in the United Mine Workers of America to obtain their well-deserved pension and health care benefits for life and support the passage of the Miners Pension Protection Act.

Maritime Modernization…pledge to support and publicize any and all ef-forts to upgrade and modernize the ports, harbors and inland waterways of the United States and Canada for the economic benefit of both nations.

Maritime Security Program…con-tinue to support the MSP and the good it does for the nation’s economy and se-curity as an invaluable staple of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

National Maritime Policy…renew efforts to bring about a National Mar-itime Policy that strengthens U.S.-flag

shipping, benefits the nation’s economy and defense, and provides good jobs for well-trained American mariners.

Opposing the Multitude of Attacks on Federal Employees…stand with our affiliate AFGE and its members in their fight to preserve and protect federal em-ployees and their benefits.

Protecting Middle Class Jobs…fol-low the AFL-CIO’s lead and continue to support our BCTGM brothers and sis-ters in the fight against Nabisco-Mon-delez by not purchasing Nabisco prod-ucts made in Mexico.

Response to Hurricanes…salute the thousands of union members who helped their neighbors and communi-ties during these terrible storms (Har-vey, Irma, Jose and Maria).

Shore Leave…continue to push with our global allies in the international maritime community to improve the working conditions for all mariners.

Support for the Export-Import Bank of the United States…continue to work at the grassroots level to show how the Export-Import Bank benefits workers, companies and communities throughout the country.

Support for Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program…call upon Congress and the White House to in-crease funding for the Title XI Ship-building Loan Guarantee Program to a proper and sustainable level.

Support the Troops and Veter-ans…reaffirm our complete support of the brave members of America’s armed forces.

Trade Agreements and Workers’ Rights…work with U.S. and Canadi-an government officials and legislators to correct the flaws in existing trade agreements.

Workers’ Fight in Missouri…stand with the working men and women of the Missouri AFL-CIO as they fight to over-turn extremist anti-worker measures in-cluding Right-to-Work (for less), elimi-nation of project labor agreements and rollbacks of minimum wages.

Maritime Trades Department sets agenda

On November 2, Matson, Inc. re-ported net income of $34.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Net income for the quarter was $25.3 million. Consolidated revenue for the third quarter 2017 was $543.9 million.

For the nine months ended Septem-ber 30, 2017, Matson reported net in-come of $65.1 million. Consolidated revenue for the nine-month period was $1,530.8 million.

Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, “Matson achieved better-than-expected third quarter results due to stronger demand for our expedited China service, stron-ger southbound volume in Alaska, the timing of fuel surcharge collections, and higher lift volumes at SSAT.”

The Hawaii economy experienced modest growth in the third quarter 2017; however, the company’s container volume was 6.4 percent lower year-over-year due primarily to lower construc-tion-related volumes as the construc-

tion cycle in Oahu transitions from high-rise projects to the master planned community projects in West Oahu.

In China, the company’s container volume in the third quarter 2017 was 11.7 percent higher year-over-year due to stronger demand for Matson’s expe-dited service and an additional sailing.

In Guam, the company’s container volume in the third quarter 2017 was lower on a year-over-year basis, the re-sult of competitive losses to a U.S.-flag containership service that increased its service frequency to weekly in Decem-ber 2016. In Alaska, the company’s con-tainer volume for the third quarter 2017 was 8.2 percent higher year-over-year, primarily the result of a better-than-ex-pected seafood harvest that positively impacted southbound volumes and an additional northbound sailing.

The company expects full year 2017 ocean transportation operating income to be lower than the $142.7 million achieved in 2016.

Matson announces third quarter earnings


Port of Oakland approves rail link to new reefer project

Marine Firemen’s Union Training PlanNotice to All Participants

The Marine Firemen’s Union Training Plan reimburses tuition costs (not lodging, subsistence or transportation) for certain types of training taken by a participant on his own.

However, preapproval of the training must be given by the Marine Fire-men’s Union Training Plan prior to taking the course.

Any request for reimbursement without preapproval from the Marine Firemen’s Union Training Plan will be denied.

Interested members who meet the Training Program eligibility require-ments and prerequisites outlined for each course may obtain an application online at mfoww.org or at Headquarters and branch offices. All applications must be accompanied by a copy of the member’s Merchant Mariner Credential, including current endorsements and RFPEW certification.

Eligible participants are MFOW members who: (1) Have maintained A, B or C seniority classification. (2) Are current with their dues. (3) Are eligible for medical coverage through covered employment. (4) Have a current Q-card (annual physical) issued by the Seafarers’

Medical Center and are fit for duty.Non-seniority applicants: (1) Non-seniority applicants may be selected for required government

vessels training as required to fulfill manning obligations under the various MFOW government vessel contracts.

(2) Selectees under this provision must meet all other requirements for seagoing employment and shall have demonstrated satisfactory work habits through casual employment.

Training Resources, Ltd. (TRL)Courses are conducted at Training Resources, Ltd. in San Diego, California, con-

tingent on enrollment levels. Tuition, lodging and transportation are pre-arranged by the MFU Training Plan.

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND TRAININGThis 4-1/2 day course includes the following segments: Shipboard Damage Con-

trol; Environmental Programs; Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense ori-entation; Helo Firefighting; Anti-Terrorism (one-year validation); Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (three-year periodicity). These segments are required for employment aboard various MSC contract-operated ships.

January 8-12, 2018

HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETYThis five-day course is required for mariners seeking endorsements as Electro-

Technical Officer (ETO) or Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) and is open to engi-neering service personnel who have electrical equipment background and training. Each student should:

• Have the requisite skills (knowledge and techniques) to distinguish exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts from other parts of electri-cal equipment, capability to determine nominal system voltages

• Have the ability and be capable of providing first aid, including resuscitation, CPR and AED (where provided)

• Be capable of determining the proper use of personnel protective equipment to protect against shock and arc flash.

This course satisfies the training requirements outlined in STCW Code Sec-tions A-III/6, A-III/7, Tables A-III/6, A-III/7, 46 CFR 11.335, 12.611, NVIC 23-14, and 24-14.

Prerequisites: Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer/Junior Engineer/RFPEW and Able Seafarer-Engine endorsements.

November 27-December 1 December 11-15 January 22-26, 2018 February 19-23, 2018

ENDORSEMENT UPGRADINGQMED Fireman/Oiler/Watertender

A member who successfully completes the 160-hour Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) Fireman/Oiler/Watertender course will satisfy the re-quirements needed for the national endorsements as QMED Fireman/Watertender and QMED Oiler, provided all other requirements, including sea service, are also met. Prerequisites: 180 days or more of MFOW-contracted sea time as Wiper; PLUS Coast Guard approval letter for endorsement upgrading, which certifies minimum of 180 days’ sea time as Wiper. December 4-22 January 8-February 2, 2018

February 12-March 9, 2018STCW Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch

A member who successfully completes the 40-hour Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) course will satisfy the requirements needed for the STCW endorsement as RFPEW. Prerequisites: See QMED Fireman/Oiler/Water-tender course. It is recommended that eligible candidates schedule the QMED Fireman/Oiler/Watertender and RFPEW courses back-to-back for a five-week combined training session. November 27-December 1 February 5-9, 2018

March 12-16, 2018

QMED Electrician/Refrigerating EngineerA member who successfully completes the 240-hour QMED Electrician/Re-

frigerating Engineer course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsement as QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, provided all other re-quirements, including sea service, are also met. Prerequisites: Endorsements as QMED Fireman/Watertender, QMED Oiler, and RFPEW; PLUS 180 days’ of MFOW-contracted sea time while qualified as RFPEW. January 8-February 16, 2018 February 26-April 6, 2018

STCW Able Seafarer-EngineA member who successfully completes the 40-hour Able Seafarer-Engine (AS-

E) course will satisfy the requirements needed for the STCW endorsement as AS-E. Prerequisites: Endorsements as QMED Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, QMED Fireman/Watertender, QMED Oiler and RFPEW; PLUS 180 days’ or more of MFOW-contracted sea time while qualified as RFPEW. December 11-15 January 8-12, 2018

February 5-9, 2018

QMED Junior EngineerThe MFOW Training Plan does not sponsor the QMED Junior Engineer course.

A member who has successfully completed the modules for QMED Electrician/Re-frigerating Engineer, QMED Fireman/Watertender, and QMED Oiler can be issued the national endorsement as QMED Junior Engineer without testing provided he or she has met all other sea service and training requirements.

QMED Pumpman/MachinistA member who successfully completes the 240-hour QMED Pumpman/Ma-

chinist course will satisfy the requirements needed for the national endorsement as QMED Pumpman/Machinist. Prerequisites: 360 days or more of MFOW-con-tracted sea time while holding the endorsements as QMED Electrician/Re-frigerating Engineer, QMED Junior Engineer, QMED Fireman-Watertender, QMED Oiler, RFPEW and AS-E. January 8-February 16, 2018 February 26-April 6, 2018

STCW Electro-Technical RatingThe required Coast Guard-approved courses leading to the STCW endorsement

of Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) are not available. When the courses are available, preference shall be given to those members who have satisfactory MFOW-contract-ed sea time as Electrician, ERJ, REJ or Reefer/Electrician.

STCW BASIC TRAINING*

*NOTE: ALL BASIC TRAINING CERTIFICATES HOLD A ONE-YEAR VAL-IDATION WHEN USED FOR MARINER DOCUMENT (MMD) RENEWAL.

Basic Training RevalidationThe BT Revalidation course is designed for personnel who have previously com-

pleted a 40-hour Basic Training course and have at least one year of approved Sea Service within the last five years.

Training Resources, Ltd., San Diego, CA (one day): November 30; December 21; 2018 - January 12; January 26

MITAGS-PMA, Seattle, WA (two days): 2018 – January 6-7; January 27-28; Feb-ruary 10-11; February 24-25

Basic Training RefresherThe BT Refresher course (24 hours) is designed for personnel who have previ-

ously completed a 40-hour Basic Training course and have NOT completed one year of approved Sea Service within the last five years.

Training Resources, Ltd., San Diego, CA: December 12-14; 2018 – January 17-19; February 14-16

MITAGS-PMI, Seattle, WA: 2018 – January 6-8; January 26-28; February 10-12; February 23-25

El Camino College, Hawthorne, CA: November 30-December 2

MARINE FIREMEN’S UNION TRAINING PROGRAM

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Moved recently?Please send change of address information to:

MFOW WELFARE FUNDAttention: Esther Hernandez

240 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105(415) 986-1028/(415) 986-5720 • Email: [email protected]


Honor rollVoluntary donations to General Treasury — October 2017: Daniel Guzman, #3881 ................$50.00

APL Guam REJ Travis Kehoe, JM-5137, pictured fabricating a new stor-age cage for the elec-trical shop.

MFOW members aboard the USNS Charlton at Bayonne, New Jer-sey drydock (left to right): Oiler Lauren Zander, JM-5287; Oiler Duane Keegan, JM-5291; Oiler Cassandra Burdett, #3854; and Wiper Rafael Trigo, JM-5298.

Photo by Leo Fontillas,

JM-5288.

MFOW and MEBA members aboard the Patriot Contract Services-managed USNS Dahl at Jacksonville, Florida (left to right): Third Assistant Engineer Min-Joo Jung; Oiler Andrew Mayorga, JM-5281; Oiler Todd Whitacre, JM-5247; First Assistant Engineer Dan Lancaster; Chief Engineer Lace Killman; Oiler Andrew Church, JM-5259; Wiper Den Thach, JM-5268; Third Assistant Engi-neer Kobi Albright; and Second Assist Engineer Eric Cuzzo.

DJU Vicente Cacacho, #3828; Wiper Eric Anglo, JM-5214; and non-seniority ERJ Ivan Leslie are seen here changing motor bearings on a salt water pump. The APL Guam shuttles between Pusan, Yokohama, Guam and Saipan.

At the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland (left to right) are MFOW Honolulu Port Agent Mario Higa, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski, SUP Training Director Berit Eriksson, U.S. Mar-itime Administrator Mark “Buz” Buzby, SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg and SUP Vice President Dave Connolly.

Matson’s inter-island barge Mauna Loa is being scrapped after over 30 years of service. Pictured (left to right) aboard the Mauna Loa at Sand Island in Hono-lulu are Shore Mechanics Anthony Lefebre, #3750; Don Ngo, #3826; Duke Bac-tad, #3605 and Russell Feliciada, #3798; Port Engineer Michael Shea; unidenti-fied; and Standby Wipers Kris Mahalath, JM-5170 and Gil Acosta, JM-5245.

Around the fleet

San FranciscoElectrician ................................................ 3 Electrician/Reefer/Jr. Engineer ............. 1Junior Engineer (Watch) ....................... 5Oiler .......................................................... 3 Wiper ........................................................ 3Standby Electrician/Reefer ................... 8Standby Wiper ....................................... 23

TOTAL ........................................46Honolulu

Electrician/Reefer/Jr. Engineer ............. 4 Reefer/Electrician/Jr. Engineer ............ 2 Junior Engineer (Day) ............................ 2Oiler .......................................................... 1Wiper ........................................................ 3Shore Mechanic ...................................... 2Standby Electrician/Reefer ................. 19 Standby Wiper ...................................... 23

TOTAL ........................................56

WilmingtonElectrician ............................................... 5Electrician/Reefer/Jr. Engineer ............ 2Reefer/Electrician/Jr. Engineer ............ 1Junior Engineer (Day) ............................ 1Oiler .......................................................... 3Wiper ........................................................ 3Standby Electrician/Reefer ................. 16Standby Wiper ...................................... 41

TOTAL ........................................72

SeattleElectrician ................................................ 1Reefer/Electrician/Jr. Engineer ............ 2 Oiler .......................................................... 3Wiper ........................................................ 1 Standby Electrician/Reefer ................... 5Standby Wiper ........................................ 6

TOTAL ........................................18

HOWZ SHIPPINGOctober 2017

Death BenefitsNone

Burial BenefitsNone

Excess Medical $870.31Glasses and Examinations $414.00

Benefits paid during October

MFOW members pensionedName Book No. Pension Type Sea Time EffectiveCharles Hoey 3843 Deferred Vested 12.00 10/1/2017Thomas Daniels 3708 SIU PD Reduced 16.435 11/1/2017

Joseph N. Kauahikaua, JM-3496. Born June 9, 1931, Honolu-lu, HI. Joined MFOW December 18, 1968. Pensioned January 1, 1987. Died October 13, 2017, Honolulu, HI.

Linton Acliese, JM-4713. Born June 25, 1948, Ville Platte, LA. Joined MFOW September 10, 2001. Pensioned January 1, 2016. Died October 28, 2017.

FINISHEDWITH

ENGINES


Wilmington Notes

Seattle Notes

Abe DeLaFuente, JM-5324 .........$100.00Travis Kehoe, JM-5137 ................$100.00Matthew Mitlo, JM-5211 .............. $50.00Rogelio Rodriguez, #3870 ...........$100.00John Terry, JM-4999 ...................... $50.00Edward Tokarz, #3770 .................$100.00

Political action Fund

Voluntary donations for October 2017:

Shipping: One REJ and one Reefer/Electrician were shipped to the com-mercial fleet, taken by two “A” cards. The MV Cape Trinity was activated; sent three Oilers, going to two “C” cards and one non-seniority applicant, and one non-seniority Wiper. One steady Patriot Contract Services Electrician was filled by a “C” member. Five Mat-son Standby Reefer/Electricians went to four “A” cards and one “B” card. Mat-son also called for four Standby Wip-ers to get the MV Cape Hudson in or-der after its shipyard period, and all jobs were filled by non-seniority applicants with a report back from Matson, “A job well done!” SS Kauai also called for two Standby Wipers that were taken by non-seniority applicants.

This month three A-, three B-, and

four C-seniority members were regis-tered, for a total of four A-, eight B-, and 11 C-seniority members registered.

I represented the MFOW and SUP at the following: Update on SODO/Key Arena, MLK CLC Delegates and MLK CLC Port Coalition meetings, Labor for Durkin, Fall Labor Leaders Break-fast, Washington Maritime Federation quarterly meeting, Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee meeting, and SMBC Board Meeting.

SUP member Vince O’Halloran, SUP Training Director Berit Eriksson and I attended Senator Maria Cantwell’s Women of Valor awards with keynote speaker Elizabeth Warren, and a re-ception for Congressman Rick Larsen. Both events were excellent opportuni-ties to thank these members of Senate and Congress for their steadfast support of the Jones Act, Maritime Trades, La-bor, and share our concerns for the fight ahead that our industry is facing.

Members, when you make the hall bring all your documents with you. Let’s go through them to be sure you are cur-rent. Other than your drug-free cer-tificate you cannot go to work on doc-uments that will expire during your dispatch and your passport must be val-id six months beyond.

Respectfully,Brendan Bohannon, Representative

Honolulu NotesHonolulu usually averages 35 to 40

jobs a month. In October I dispatched 56 jobs. I shipped a Reefer to the APL Guam, and a Junior Engineer and Wip-er to the APL Gulf Express. On Patri-ot Contract Services-managed ships, I dispatched an Electrician to the Yano, an Oiler to the Charlton and a Wiper to the Soderman. Near the end of the month, Matson called back the crew of the Mahimahi and Honolulu returned the Electrician, Reefer, Junior Engineer and Wiper billets. Two of the shore-side guys needed a medical relief, and the Mokihana Electrician took a relief trip off. 19 Standby Electrician/Reef-ers were called along with 23 Standby Wipers. Presently the Honolulu regis-tration list has 11 A-, four B-, and 10 C-seniority members.

I represented the Marine Firemen’s Union at the monthly Honolulu Port Council meeting, at which our special guest was U.S. Congresswoman Col-leen Hanabusa. She announced that she

will be running for Governor of Hawaii. I also attended an AFL-CIO sponsored get-together with some of Hawaii State Representatives.

The Matson barge Mauna Loa is currently on its way to Mexico to be scrapped. The decision to not send the barge to the shipyard was made from the overrun cost in the shipyard that the sister barge Haleakala experienced. Matson is now finalizing the purchase of the Sause Brothers barge Columbia.

My hats off to the Honolulu MFOW brothers and sister who stepped up to cover every billet that came into us. In October we filled an increase of around 60 percent more billets in Honolu-lu. Thank you for having all your doc-uments up to date and for upgrading yourselves. And lastly, thank you for an-swering the calls to fill the jobs. We stick together, we stay union strong.

Aloha,Mario Higa

Port Agent

MARINE FIREMAN SUBSCRIPTIONS,AND VOLUNTARY PAF DONATIONS

Please use the following form. PENSION orNAME (Print) __________________________________BOOK NO. ___________

STREET ___________________________________________________________

CITY _________________________________ STATE _____ ZIP ____________

Check box: ❑ U.S. & POSSESSIONS ❑ OVERSEAS

Yearly Subscriptions: ❑ First Class $20.00 ❑ Air (AO) Mail $25.00

Voluntary Political Action Fund Donation ❑ $ ________________________

Please make checks payable to:

MARINE FIREMEN’S UNION240 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

Holiday LuncheonsThe MFOW and SUP Welfare Plans will co-sponsor holiday luncheons at the various ports for participants of the respective Plans and invited guests. As approved by the Union and Employer Trustees of both Plans, the cost of this benefit is prorated to each Plan based on the number of participants.The holiday luncheons are scheduled as follows:

Seattle — Saturday, December 1610:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Leif Erikson Hall, 2245 NW 57th Street (Ballard) Seattle, WA 98107

Wilmington — Saturday, December 1610:00 AM – 2:00 PM (lunch served at 11:30 AM)

MMP/MEBA Hall, 533-B, N. Marine AvenueWilmington, CA 90744

Honolulu — Sunday, December 1011:00 AM – 2:00 PM

O’Tooles Celtic Room, 902 Nuuanu Avenue(enter from Merchant St. side entrance)

Honolulu, HI 96813

San Francisco — Friday, December 1511:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Sailors’ Union of the Pacific Hall, 450 Harrison StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105

A total of 72 jobs were dispatched from Wilmington in October: eight PCS, one APL and three Matson billets were filled. Members took 68 jobs, ap-plicants filled four standby jobs. Regis-trants here number 20 A-, 16 B-, and 30 C-seniority members.

Trans-Pacific vessels have been hav-ing a few issues, mainly dodging storms lately as the winter season is getting a few highs, or lows rather. Not too many of us really like this…but it is part of our

job. Just keep a watchful eye and keep one hand for you, and if possible to work in pairs in heavy weather. Please do so. While you are at it, ask the BR if they have an extra pillow onboard. If not, the Gumby suit is a really good pillow. I used to sleep on the deck a lot. You might want to ask the Master for permission to move your mattress to deck if it will fit secure-ly/safely. Better than getting thrown into a bulkhead by a wave, like a few of my shipmates, in the middle of the night.

As usual the gang at GGS has been keeping a watchful eye on the reefers moving through the terminal. There are a lot more TK and Daikin reefers in the fleet as you guys have noticed. No big deal as long as you have the parts to re-place something if it breaks ashore. Fore-man Ken Justice has been keeping the gang well supplied. I would hate to trash a load at sea because of a part or tool that was not ordered prior to departure from port. If you are shipboard, talk to the Chief and make sure you are on the same page with this, as poor planning will cre-ate a loss that could easily be avoided.

The SS Lane Victory will be decked out again soon for the holiday season. She is still in need of repair as the boilers are still down. Located at the end of Miner Street in San Pedro, she is awaiting some TLC on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You will be very much appreciated if you show up and volunteer. Turn-to is at 0800.

P. Gazillo, #3699, and I attended the L.A. County Fed meeting, where I was sworn in as a delegate to the organiza-tion. We also picked up some info from Kaiser reps who were present for the hall.

And for those that will be ashore this year, the 2017 Christmas party will be hosted by the SUP this year. The date is Saturday, December 16, from 1000-1400 at the MMP/MEBA hall (same as ours), 533-B N. Marine Avenue, Wilmington. Not sure what the menu will look like, but it should be tasty. Hope to see ya there.

Work safely and have a good trip home. Aloha,

Sonny Gage, Port Agent

Regular membership meeting dates 2017

Dec. 6 S.F. Headquarters 13 Branches

January 3 S.F. Headquarters 10 Branches February 7 S.F. Headquarters 14 Branches March 7 S.F. Headquarters 14 Branches April 4 S.F. Headquarters 11 Branches May 2 S.F. Headquarters 9 BranchesJune 6 S.F. Headquarters 13 BranchesJuly 5* S.F. Headquarters

(*moved due to Independence Day holiday)

11 BranchesAugust 1 S.F. Headquarters 8 BranchesSept. 5 S.F. Headquarters 12 BranchesOctober 3 S.F. Headquarters 10 BranchesNov. 7 S.F. Headquarters 14 BranchesDec. 5 S.F. Headquarters

12 Branches

Regular membership meeting dates 2018

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