Great opportunities for jobs

As the end of the 2011 shipping season draws near we can now look back to see just how good the season was. The port of Thorold has received over 650 job calls up to the end of October. With so many jobs being called we were able to accept many new members this year. As we look ahead, the additional ships that are to be added to fleets will increase the demand for the well qualified members of the SIU. We encourage any members with family or friends interested in a career as a seafarer to send us a resume as the future looks very bright for SIU members.

OSTC's car ferry Chi-Cheemaun ended it's season with a trip to Thunder Bay for their 5 year inspection. A delay in getting on the blocks combined with the shafts needing to be pulled likely means the ship will not return to it's winter berth in Owen Sound until mid December.

It looks like a bumper crop of soy beans will extend the season of Pelee Island Transportation's ferry Jiimaan. As the ship provides a link to the island for trucks a couple of extra weeks may be needed in order to get the crop to the mainland.

Owen Sound Transportation and Pelee Island Transportation negotiations have been referred to arbitration. Arbitrator Brian Etherington will hear arguments regarding wage increases in mid February. The negotiating committees will be meeting soon to discuss our strategy for the upcoming arbitration.

Negotiations with Fettes Shipping are ongoing. The company has responded to our initial proposals and we will be meeting with the members employed with the company to develop our counter proposals.

Seafarers play a major role in the Canadian economy

A recent study has shown just how big a role Canadian Seafarers and the St. Lawrence Seaway play in the Canadian economy. The study revealed that the flow of goods through the seaway generates 98,000 jobs and $15.9 billion in economic activity in Ontario and Quebec alone and this is why the SIU has been involved in lobbying against New York State's incoming ballast water regulations which could effectively choke off trade through the St. Lawrence Seaway. We are pleased to learn the U.S. House of Representatives has recently adopted a bill amending the Clean Water Act to set a single nationwide standard for the treatment of ballast water.

On August 21st an F3 level tornado touched down in the port of Goderich. The tornado caused major damage to many historical buildings as well as the salt mine. The loading boom at the salt mine was damaged to the extent that the loading of ships had to cease. The export of salt resumed a few weeks later. The Algomarine was loaded using a portable conveyor system. Since then an additional telescoping conveyor has been added to reduce the time it takes to load a ship. As for the town itself it will still take some time to finish the cleanup and rebuild the damaged buildings.

As the holiday season approaches we need to keep the less fortunate people of our communities in mind. This is the time of year that local food banks and other charities need our support as they struggle to meet the increased demand for their services. One thing that cannot be denied about SIU members is the pride we take in our hometowns. If we all give just a little to our local charities we can make our own corner of the world a better place.

Happy Holidays.