The new deal makes beneficial wage adjustments and increases the number of days of earned vacation for the majority of officers. It also eliminates the pay step system. In addition, noteworthy increases were secured for Medical, Training, Joint Employment Committee and the American Maritime Congress. The agreement is available for review at M.E.B.A. halls and offices.

Last weekend, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard launched the eighth of twelve product tankers being built at the yard. Upon completion, each of the vessels are turned over to OSG Shipping and crewed with expert M.E.B.A. officers.

Over half the worldwide attacks are attributed to Somali pirates according to recently released International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Center figures. They say the number of incidents reported so far in 2009 has surpassed the total number reported in 2008. The total number of attacks reported to date this year, is 294. Of these, 34 resulted in successful hijackings of vessels. A total of 559 hostages have been taken in these hijackings.

Congratulations to ILWU President Robert McEllrath and Pacific Maritime Association President James McKenna who were honored this week by the Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) at the first ever Connie Award event to be held on the West Coast.

The pair was recognized for significant influence in containerization in world trade and transportation at an industry-wide dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, CA. The Port of Long Beach is a principal sponsor of the event. M.E.B.A. Executive V.P. Mike Nizetich attended the event along with L.A. Branch Agent Larry Young and rank and file members Wayne Sumner and Larry Holbert.

CII, founded in 1960, has been presenting the Connie Award since 1972 and it has become the most coveted honor in the field of containerization and its ancillary industry. Among some 35 recipients are Malcom McLean, Thomas B. Crowley Sr., Bruce Seaton and Douglas Tilden. The recipients were chosen following an industry poll and are being recognized for efforts in securing a six-year contract covering more than 25,000 dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports. The new Connie honorees said it meets the needs of both workers and the industry. It allows West Coast ports to be competitive and provides the good jobs that workers and communities need.

A bill introduced by House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2010, among other things was marked up and reported favorably to the House this week.

M.E.B.A.-contracted OSG Ship Management needs Chiefs and 1st A/Es for four of their product tankers. Members MUST be qualified with Tankerman PIC or Tankerman Engineer for these positions. Resumes can be e-mailed to OSG Crew Manager Fred Meyer at FMeyer@OSG.com.  You can also fax them to (813) 221-3179. They can be snail mailed to Fred at OSG America, Inc., Two Harbour Place, 302 Knights Run Avenue - Suite 1200, Tampa, FL 33602. For further information please contact Fred Meyer at (813) 209-0683.

The Maritime Industries Academy, an urban public school in Baltimore that serves approximately 450 students in grades 9-12, is looking for a full-time faculty member to teach the 9th grade introductory course, "Maritime Professional Studies." The full-time teaching position will require curriculum development, maritime program coordination and direct instruction. In most cases, minimum qualifications will include a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline related to maritime studies, excellent communication and leadership skills, mastery of Microsoft Office and USCG license as Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer. However, exceptional candidates with significant maritime experience who do not meet minimum qualifications may be considered. Salary is commensurate with the education and experience of the individual. A background investigation is required prior to employment. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references. Send application documents by e-mail, fax or regular mail to Joy Pinder Savage, Principal, 5001 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, MD 21206, jsavage@bcps.k12.md.us,  410-396-0242 or 410-396-0085 (fax).

On your way to a ship? Filing for Vacation? Don’t worry about running to the bank to deposit your check; let the Vacation Plan do it for you! M.E.B.A. Vacation Plan Participants have the option of receiving Vacation and Port Relief Benefits as a paper check or as a direct deposit into their designated bank account. Once you complete a bank authorization form, either option may be chosen each time you file for benefits.

• Authorization forms must be completed by the Participant and the Participant’s bank.

• The banking system requires all new direct deposits and changes to be verified. This verification, called a pre-note process, may take up to 30 days after receipt of your Authorization.

• Forms and "Guidelines and Instructions" are available from the Plan Office, Plan Outport Offices and at the Plan’s website – www.mebaplans.org (Forms, Vacation).

• Participants are encouraged to complete the Authorization form to get your bank information on file so the direct deposit option will be available to you when you are ready to use it.

• You will file for Vacation and Port Relief Benefits the same way you always do.

• You must choose each time you file whether you want your entire benefit paid by check or by direct deposit. You cannot split a claim to receive part in check form and part as a direct deposit. Be sure to check the appropriate box on the Vacation Application.

For more details about the program and to access the "Guidelines and Instructions" on how to participate, or the Authorization form, go to the Plan’s website at www.mebaplans.org.  All Outport Plan Offices and the Plan Office in Baltimore will also have this information. Questions can be directed to the Vacation Plan staff in Baltimore at (800) 811-6322 or at vacation@mebaplans.org.

Monday, Oct. 5 – Boston; Jacksonville; Seattle;
Tuesday, Oct. – Baltimore/Calhoon School (at CMES), Houston, San Francisco (Oakland);
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Charleston, New Orleans;
Thursday, Oct. 8 – L.A. (Wilmington), New York (New Jersey), Norfolk, Tampa;
Friday, Oct. 9 – Honolulu.