As mentioned at our membership meetings CSL has returned the Atlantic Superior to Canadian Flag and she will be performing important duties in the Gulf from Sept-Iles.

CSL has landed a contract to move cargo from the shores of Sept-Iles to a waiting transfer vessel anchored in the bay. The transfer vessel will be a 200k ton vessel moving product back and forth to overseas as the Atlantic Superior and her Canadian crew run the product from shore. CSL has the expertise in this type of cargo movement and have great confidence that S.I.U. members can get the job done on time and safely. Members from the retired Halifax had first opportunity for the jobs on the Superior but due to the unique nature of this job and long term location, the Union was able to negotiate that they would have right of refusal. What this meant was they would retain recall rights for other vessels, and the right to severance.

Unique opportunity

Also being negotiated is a system that would see our members working on a relief system that would allow for time away from the project during the course of the year. The way the operation will unfold is 75% of the vessel’s time will be spent on the shuttle run, and 25% will be spent as “down” time waiting for the transfer vessel to return. As such members will see the hours of work fluctuate between very busy run times to regular maintenance time. With the variation in hours the time off will assure members are at the top of their game and able to perform the work safely and efficiently. All other conditions of employment will be governed by the current collective bargaining agreement.

CSL and the Union are both very confident that our members can get the job done and set the tone for future development of this unique opportunity.

Algoma brings in three ex-Viken vessels

Algoma’s plans to bring in the ex Viken vessels is reported to be on track. The Algoma Spirit is reported to be the first vessel that will come under the S.I.U. flag sometime soon followed by the Algoma Discovery and Algoma Guardian. These vessels will be a welcome addition with the removal of the Canyon-Ontario-Isle and North. Crewing numbers have been set for these vessels and they will fall under the Algoma Collective Bargaining Agreement. As a note of interest, our S.I.U./ITF Inspectors report that these vessels are in wonderful condition.

Negotiations

We have recently sent out a notice to the members employed with Algoma Tankers to send in all proposals for negotiations that are forthcoming. We urge all members to play an active role in the process and submit proposals.

Rigel negotiations will be starting shortly and we thank the crews of the vessels for all proposals. It is refreshing to know the membership is looking at negotiations in a realistic frame of mind based on current economic conditions.

Coastal negotiations have been completed by Patrice Caron and Hugo Boisjoly and the tentative agreement has been mailed to the membership to vote. Results will be in soon and we will keep members up to date.

Negotiations with several companies are set to begin on the West Coast of Canada with Lafarge, Jones Marine, Harkin and others. Negotiating committees will be formed in the near future and we will be meeting before hand to go through proposals.

Upcoming negotiations with Algoma and CSL

As you are all aware we will also be facing negotiations soon with Algoma and CSL for renewal of the “lakes” agreements. We are currently putting a survey together which will be sent to all vessels for members input. Please take the time to fill out the survey in order for us to get a clear picture for negotiations. This will not prevent members from still sending in their individual proposals as well.

We thank all members for their continued support during all negotiations no matter what company you are with. Your valued contributions assist your coworkers and Brothers of the Sea to maintain what they have gained over the years and provide more for their families. When you donate your time, it is noticed and appreciated by the Union executive and all members.

Economic conditions seem to be improving

As the economic conditions seem to be on the rebound we have seen an increase in steel production which means more work for S.I.U. crewed vessels. All cargo is up from last year, which is not a hard thing to do as last year was terrible, but it is keeping the fleets running. Overall, things are still down approx 15% but the rebound is happening. One area of concern, which was last year’s saving grace, we have heard reports grain shipments may be down this year. Being optimistic though we feel the year will present itself as a positive one in the end.

Until next issue, safe sailing to all our Brothers and Sisters