I'm a member of Seafarers International Union who's never been active and I'm pissed off.
New 3-year union contract with my employer came out: 7% raise over three years. 3%, 2%, 2%. Inflation was eight percent just this year. We got a pay cut. It's a joke.
And this is in an environment where companies are BEGGING to hire sailors. If ever there was a time to squeeze the man for all he's worth it's now. But I think the union is too old and complacent and mobbed up to do anything and it's basically a wing of management at this point.
I've never done any kind of organizing before, but I at least want to get a bunch of us sailors together to send a message to SIU that we're pissed and they need to shape up.
Where on earth do I start? Thanks.