Great Lakes sailors continue pickets on Liberty Line

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4568

By Larry Sillanpa
22 July 2010

DULUTH - Liberty Line vessels on the Great Lakes have names like American Courage, Fortitude, and Integrity. The names also define 80 members of United Steelworkers Great Lakes Seamen Local 5000 who continue their 10-month picket in a lockout/strike with the Liberty Division of the American Steamship Line.

The sailors are unemployed because the Williamsville, N.Y., based carrier is not bargaining in good faith with them. Both companies are owned by GATX of Chicago, that also leases marine, rail, and industrial equipment.

After contract negotiations folded last fall, the professional and long standing sailors have been replaced by Florida-based scab replacement workers.

USW Local 5000 is based in Cleveland and its members live in port towns across the country, including here in the Twin Ports of Superior, Wis., and Duluth, Minn., at the head of the Great Lakes.


Community Services Director Beth Peterson offers cold drinks to members of USW Great Lakes Seamen Local 5000 who have been locked out by Liberty Lines for 10 months. Holding the flag is NEALC’s Chad McKenna. The four USW members all live here: Jim Engebretson, Bob Pedersen, George Ruetschi, and Alan Dougherty. The picket was Monday in Superior, Wis., at Midwest Energy's coal terminal.

“What happens to us could also happen to other companies,” said Bob Pedersen, a strike coordinator. A wheelsman, the Superior resident has sailed for 19 years but hasn’t worked in a year. Five other area residents also sail Liberty, the old Ogleby-Norton line, but are picketing instead.

Pedersen said some of his fellow locked out sailors have found a little relief work on other boats. “You’re just working for a paycheck, no benefits, when you go relief,” he said.

FULL story at link.