The brisk pace that started with an early fit out has continued in the Thorold hall. Members with permanent positions have been requesting extra time off reliefs which has provided those members shipping as reliefs with many opportunities for work early in the season. The large number of reliefs being called is a sign that members are feeling confident that the economy is in recovery.

Another reason for the optimism in the hall is the news of the additions to some of our companies’ fleets. The arrival of V-Ships’ Belgium class vessels and the return of the Atlantic Superior have bolstered their fleet. While Algoma is retiring a few older ships this year the arrival of their three bulkers is good news. The Algoma Spirit, Algoma Discovery and Algoma Guardian are all expected to be crewed by S.I.U. members soon. The first of the bulkers is expected in early summer with the other two coming soon after that.

Another sign of an economic turnaround is the increase in the demand for steel on the lakes. US Steel in Hamilton is reporting that all laid off workers have returned and that they are increasing production. US Steel in Nanticoke is getting ready to be fired up again after sitting idle for most of last year. The mill is expected to be up and running by June. Most of the raw materials used at the mill were hauled away last year so our members will be busy with the extra loads that they will require to replenish their stockpiles.

The car ferry Chi-Cheemaun has returned to service.

The ferry has been providing passage from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island for over 35 years. Many of our members have been on the Chi-Cheemaun from its first trip in 1974 and a few served on the ships that preceded it. It is because of our member’s loyalty that OSTC can offer the safe professional service that they do. OSTC also operates the ferry service at Pelee Island. The Pelee Islander and Jiimaan operate between Pelee Island and the mainland ports of Kingsville and Leamington. Our members at Pelee should be proud of the service they provide as they are the only link between the island and the mainland. Both of these units are in the last year of their collective agreements. We will be collecting proposals and getting the negotiating teams assembled very soon in order to be prepared for the negotiations that will take place this fall.

ITF report

The ITF has concluded a four-week campaign to increase awareness of dock workers issues. The focus of the campaign was to educate seafarers employed on Flag of Convenience ships on how their actions can adversely affect the livelihoods of longshoremen. Seafarers on these ships that are covered by an ITF collective agreement are bound by a clause which forbids them from doing any work traditionally done by a docker. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft issued a letter to all seafarers employed on FOC ships covered by ITF agreements reminding them that under the conditions of their collective agreement they may only perform the work of a docker if the dockers union has approved. ITF inspectors where given the task of delivering this message and did an outstanding job of this. Over the course of four weeks, 573 ships received this message. Another fine example of the ITF global network getting the job done.

2010 - Year of the Seafarer

The next time you are sailing through the Welland Canal flight locks take a look over towards the hall. In conjunction with the International Maritime Organization Year of the Seafarer the SIU has erected a banner in honour of our members. We all know of the sacrifices and hard work that seafarers put in to deliver the products people use everyday and it is time that everyone else was made aware of this as well. Hopefully through this event we can raise awareness so that seafarers will receive the respect they deserve.

With Come Home Year celebrations planned for both Burnt Islands and Port Aux Basque we expect there will be more relief work than usual this summer. Requests are already coming in and more are sure to follow. We would like to remind anyone who will be taking time off that in order to ensure they get a relief they should make their request for time off as soon as possible. We are hoping everyone has a great time and enjoys their time home with their families.

As always we remind you to keep your documents up to date. Transport Canada medicals, passports and first aid certificates all need to be current in order to ship. Also, Transport Canada provisional medicals are only valid for 6 months. If you are approaching the end of the 6 month period and have not received your certificate from Ottawa make sure you call them so that they can send you your new one.

Work Safely