Unrelenting
cooperation and commonality in political action are the
avenues that must be taken if a strong U.S.-flag
Merchant Marine is to be part of America's future
landscape.
This position was echoed repeatedly September 11 by
the presidents from the three maritime officers' unions
as they addressed the Seafarers International Union of
North America's convention at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.
Capt. Timothy A. Brown, International Organization of
Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); Ron Davis,
Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA); and
Michael McKay, American Maritime Officers (AMO) each
advised delegates and guests about the need to extend
and expand the current Maritime Security Program, and
the crucial necessity to preserve the Jones Act. Each
also reflected on the tragic events of September 11,
2001 and how it forever changed America, especially the
maritime industry.
"The more I get to know your president, Mike Sacco,
the more I appreciate his aggressiveness in pursuing the
interests of your membership, whether it be new jobs,
more types of jobs or influencing the congressional
representatives in Washington to listen to the maritime
guys," Brown told those in attendance.
"Earlier this year Mike (Sacco) called a meeting and
gave us his thoughts about what would happen to all of
us if we were not able to get an extension of the
current Maritime Security Program that is in place," he
said. "Mike's vision is so very true.
"From that point, we brought the companies in the
picture, worked out some of the details and problems and
then began the long process of convincing our friends in
Congress that our battle was also America's battle,"
Brown continued. "Without a viable American Merchant
Marine, America is at risk militarily and, even more
importantly, America is at risk of being taken advantage
of by our trading partners."
To avoid such a state of affairs, Brown said, "All of
us in maritime leadership positions believe that a new
program is needed. We are all working toward a program
that will include tax relief for sailors who sail
internationally; reduction in tonnage taxes for American
carriers; an elimination of the hated ad valorum tax,
which only American companies pay; and, hopefully, a
faster depreciation schedule for American-built vessels
or new vessels built foreign but reflagged American."
Davis concurred and reflected on the role leadership
has played over the years to sustain the merchant
marine. "As maritime leaders, each of us stands sentry
ensuring that the merchant marine never becomes weak,
but remains vigilant and strong," he offered. "Our
nation will always need capable, professional merchant
seamen to respond in a moment's notice."
Davis said that in addition to the problems of
national and international terrorism in the U.S., the
labor movement—particularly maritime labor—faces many
future challenges. He is confident, however, that the
industry will overcome these obstacles.
"Whether it's renewing the Maritime Security Program,
advancing cargo preference laws or safeguarding the
Jones Act, the MEBA is working together with the SIU and
all of you to ensure our future," he assured. "With the
SIU and MEBA coordinating efforts in unity and
friendship, our future is bright."
After reflecting on the appropriateness of the
convention's theme (Leading the Way for Working
Families), McKay said the SIUNA has been out in front
and taking the lead in battling for the most important
and worthy causes affecting working families since 1938.
"As we all know, there are many people who neither know
these needs, nor respect these values,' McKay warned.
"In our industry we see their harmful influence in the
growth of flag-of-convenience cargo and cruise ships
worldwide; in the relentless political battles over
cargo preference and the Jones Act and on other
fronts...We learned in a terrible way one year ago
today, there are people in this world who have no values
at all."
McKay concluded by saying that under Sacco's
leadership, he believes the SIUNA will continue to
promote the needs and values of working Americans at sea
and ashore. He then pledged his support and that of the
AMO, saying, "I look forward to working with the SIU to
pursue our common political interests including
expansion and extension of the Maritime Security
Program."
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