MARINE ENGINEERS' BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION (AFL-CIO)
         "On Watch in Peace and War Since 1875"

MEBA TELEX TIMES       JUNE 18, 2010

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 25

In this issue...
 In this issue...Jones Act distortions...Resumes needed...Nomination period note...

JONES ACT DISTORTIONS REPEATED BY MISINFORMED MEDIA
Certain news stories of late have erroneously reported that foreign skimming vessels have not been permitted to assist with the BP oil spill cleanup because of Jones Act restrictions. Some blogs and reports are blaming the President who "refuses to waive" the Jones Act at the behest of labor unions and other interests. As the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) and others noted in statements released this week, these reports are incorrect.

The Jones Act does not prevent foreign vessels from working on oil skimming operations in waters beyond the state's three mile limit. If a U.S. vessel is not available within the three-mile limit, there is a waiver process that can be used to bring in foreign vessels. No such waiver has yet been requested. Under the Jones Act, foreign vessels may be used if U.S. vessels are not available.

In the Gulf spill cleanup, a number of foreign vessels have been involved as well as many U.S. vessels. National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen said that currently, 15 foreign-flagged vessels are involved in the oil spill response. "No Jones Act waivers have been granted," he said, "because none of these vessels have required such a waiver to conduct their operations in the Gulf of Mexico."

"Once again, it appears that critics of the Jones Act are distorting the facts by claiming that the Jones Act applies in an instance when it simply doesn't, or where it does, not being forthcoming with the law and the facts," said OMSA President Ken Wells. "Worse, they are taking advantage of this disastrous situation to undermine American workers for the benefit of foreign companies and foreign workers. But even in instances where the law does not require the use of a U.S. vessel, BP should make every attempt to hire U.S. vessels and their workers. The entire Gulf Coast and surrounding areas have been hurt by the BP spill. The seafood and tourism industries have suffered. And it doesn't make sense now to put the Gulf Coast maritime industry out of work just to give jobs to a few foreign boats."

The Maritime Cabotage Task Force reiterated the point saying, "...countless American vessels are already responding in the Gulf. In addition, we know that many other American vessels are standing by ready to help."

Senator Daniel K. Inouye, among other lawmakers, was disgusted by ill-informed news sources that the Jones Act should be suspended to allow foreign vessels to assist with the cleanup. "I was taken aback by the suggestion that we suspend the Jones Act to bring in foreign ships to deal with the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf," he noted. "That is not necessary. American vessels from the Navy, Coast Guard, state and county governments are working with private citizens and foreign vessels in support of the clean-up effort. To suggest that we suspend the Jones Act to allow foreign ships into the Gulf is more about pushing a political agenda than any genuine interest in helping Gulf coast communities with their clean-up. We are already at the mercy of foreign competitors when it comes to oil, we should not add shipping to that list."

In order to prepare for any potential need, National Incident Commander Allen has provided guidance to the Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Maritime Administration to ensure any Jones Act waiver requests receive urgent attention and processing. "While we have not seen any need to waive the Jones Act as part of this historic response, we continue to prepare for all possible scenarios," said Admiral Allen. "Should any waivers be needed, we are prepared to process them as quickly as possible to allow vital spill response activities being undertaken by foreign-flagged vessels to continue without delay." The guidance provided by Admiral Allen would route waivers related to the BP oil spill response through the Federal On-Scene Coordinator, who will forward requests immediately through the National Incident Commander for expedited clearance.

MCTF noted, "There are well-established federal procedures for waiving the Jones Act to bring in foreign vessels in those situations were American vessels are not available. The American maritime industry has not and will not stand in the way of the use of these well-established waiver procedures to address this crisis."

"We want to make crystal clear that in no way, shape or form are we taking any action that hampers the spill cleanup effort. However, this should not become an excuse for foreign companies to take advantage of this tragic accident for their own gain or for opponents of the law to try to undercut it," OMSA President Wells said.

M.E.B.A. RESUMES NEEDED FOR COMMISSIONING ENGINEER IN SAN ANTONIO
M.E.B.A.-contracted company ACME Industrial Inc. is looking for an M.E.B.A. member to serve as a Commissioning Engineer in the San Antonio, Texas area. Some of the responsibilities of the job include:

The salary will be determined by experience and knowledge. The full job listing is available in all the M.E.B.A. Union halls and offices. All resumes should be faxed to Joe Martucci at (718) 273-6942.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON M.E.B.A. NOMINATION PERIOD
As you know, the District-wide nomination period for elected officials' positions and national representatives began on Monday, June 7th and will continue until July 9, 2010 - the deadline to forward nominations to Headquarters.

It is important that nominations sent to District Headquarters be addressed to the "Credentials Committee." Nomination forms are available at M.E.B.A. Union halls. You can also request a nomination form from Headquarters. However, use of the form is not required. You may use your own form provided you meet all the requirements of the National Constitution and District No. 1-PCD, M.E.B.A. By-Laws. It is encouraged that statements and photos sent to the Credentials Committee be submitted in electronic format. This is not required but will better ensure the integrity of the public materials when published in the special election edition of the Marine Officer.

In addition, the last Credentials Committee strongly recommended that nominees include a copy of their last Dues Receipt in each nomination instead of just the Dues Receipt number. This is not required but the Committee felt that a Dues Receipt copy would help expedite the qualification process.

A five-person rank and file Credentials Committee will be elected at the regular July membership meetings. The Committee will go into session at M.E.B.A. Headquarters on Tuesday, July 13 and authenticate the qualifications of nominees for candidacy. One member each will be elected at the meetings in New York (New Jersey), New Orleans and San Francisco (Oakland). Alternates will be elected at the meetings in Baltimore (CMES) and Houston. No officer or candidate for office or job is eligible for this committee. Ballots will be mailed to the membership on September 1.

LAKES LIMESTONE TRADE UP 27% IN MAY
Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3,639,048 net tons in May, an increase of 47.6 percent compared to April, and an increase of 27.3 percent compared to a year ago. The trade was, however, down more than 16 percent when compared to the month's 5-year average. Loadings at U.S. ports were up 23 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian docks increased even more, 43.2 percent.

Year-to-date the Lakes limestone trade stands at 6,121,260 net tons, an increase of 38.3 percent compared to a year ago, but a decrease of 21.1 percent compared to the 5-year average for the January-May timeframe. Loadings at U.S. ports are up 37.8 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian docks are 40.3 percent ahead of last year's pace.

LATE FEE WAIVED FOR CAA REUNION!!
Rooms at this summer's CAA reunion are being snapped up in the last week before the big CAA M.E.B.A. Reunion. The blow-out event takes place at the Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School from June 25-27. Mike Fanning has just announced that last minute reservations WILL NOT be subject to the notorious late fee. That clears the way to make an impulse trip to the Reunion next weekend. Come on people - live a little!

The Harbourtowne Resort in St. Michaels, MD will be the site of the June 25th golf tournament that tees off a weekend of fun-filled events. There are a few more slots for the tournament - but they're going quickly so act now! Just fill out the form and e-mail Mike Fanning ahead of time so he can accommodate you at the event - caa2010@mebaschool.org.

The all-day picnic is set for Saturday, June 26th on the Manor House lawn at the School in Easton. As a reminder, fees forwarded to the CAA as part of this event are tax deductible. Active and retired members and M.E.B.A. friends and families are encouraged to do themselves a favor and come on out! This weekend is for everyone in the M.E.B.A. family, not just graduates of the Calhoon cadet program. There will be wall-to-wall activities, food, fun and plenty of old friends and shipmates. Don't miss it.

All details, event forms, donation forms, etc. can be found on the Alumni page of the School's website at www.mebaschool.org. Please pass the word along to all friends, shipmates, and classmates (sailing or not).

NEW PORT ENGINEER OPPORTUNITIES
M.E.B.A. Port Engineers are in demand in the outskirts of New Orleans and in Charleston. ASM/Patriot can use a Port Engineer for work with the LMSRs USNS SHUGHART and USNS YANO berthed in Violet, LA near New Orleans.

ASM just announced that it needs another Port Engineer for the drydocking of the USNS WATERS this summer in Charleston. They would be on the job from June 20th through September 5. This work could lead to additional opportunities. All qualified candidates will be considered. Members should e-mail their resumes to Baltimore Branch Agent Tom Suneson at tsuneson@mebaunion.org or Tim Gill at tim.gill@asmhq.com.

LIBERTY NEEDS CHIEFS
Liberty Maritime is seeking résumés from Chief Engineers interested in sailing for the company. Interested individuals should send their particulars including a résumé via e-mail to personnel@libertymar.com. You may also contact Nina Timonina at (516) 488-8800 with any specific questions about these opportunities.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
 Tuesday, July 6 - Baltimore/Calhoon School at CMES @1430; Boston@1200; Houston@1315, Jacksonville@1300;
Wednesday, July 7 - Charleston@1400; New Orleans@1315; San Francisco(Oakland)@1230; Seattle@1300;
Thursday, July 8 - L.A. (Wilmington)@1230; New York (New Jersey)@1300; Norfolk@1230; Tampa@1300;
Friday, July 9 - Honolulu@1100.
 

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