Posted:
September 1, 2011
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, in a statement published Aug. 30 expressed shock, disappointment and outrage regarding "recent waivers of the Jones Act that have allowed foreign-flag, foreign-crewed vessels to transport oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. These waivers - nearly 50 in all - have been issued despite the ample availability of American-flag tankers and barges with well-trained, highly qualified American citizen crews."
The MTD pointed out: the "administration is giving away American jobs to foreigners. When it comes to transporting the reserve oil, U.S. mariners and U.S. ships are ready and able - yet they've been left tied at the docks."
The MTD added: "the U.S. Maritime Administration has issued more Jones Act waivers than have been issued by all past Maritime Administrations combined."
MTD President Michael Sacco noted: "At this time of high unemployment, we are appalled that the government would take such actions. This is completely contrary to the stand then-Senator Obama expressed in August 2008 to America's maritime unions."
In a letter signed by the then-candidate, Barack Obama stated: "America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine. That is why you and your members can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act."
The MTD joined with the U.S.-flag maritime industry to overturn a blanket waiver of the Jones Act when the White House announced in June its intention to release oil from the reserves. Within 24 hours, the blanket waiver was retracted. However, the Department of Energy later rewrote the specifics regarding how the oil was to be sold, thereby all but eliminating any participation by any tanker or barge flying the U.S. flag.
In its statement, the MTD commended legislators on both sides of the aisle for their criticism of the administration's numerous Jones Act waivers during the SPR draw down.
"A joint letter from Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and David Vitter (R-LA) and Representatives Charles Boustany (R-LA), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Peter King (R-NY), Candice Miller (R-MI) Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Pete Visclosky (R-IN), as well as a separate message from Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), reinforce and amplify our concerns," the MTD stated. "We sincerely applaud them for speaking out on behalf of American workers."
Maritime Trades Department outraged about deluge of Jones Act waivers, shifting American jobs to foreign crews
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, in a statement published Aug. 30 expressed shock, disappointment and outrage regarding "recent waivers of the Jones Act that have allowed foreign-flag, foreign-crewed vessels to transport oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. These waivers - nearly 50 in all - have been issued despite the ample availability of American-flag tankers and barges with well-trained, highly qualified American citizen crews."
The MTD pointed out: the "administration is giving away American jobs to foreigners. When it comes to transporting the reserve oil, U.S. mariners and U.S. ships are ready and able - yet they've been left tied at the docks."
The MTD added: "the U.S. Maritime Administration has issued more Jones Act waivers than have been issued by all past Maritime Administrations combined."
MTD President Michael Sacco noted: "At this time of high unemployment, we are appalled that the government would take such actions. This is completely contrary to the stand then-Senator Obama expressed in August 2008 to America's maritime unions."
In a letter signed by the then-candidate, Barack Obama stated: "America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine. That is why you and your members can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act."
The MTD joined with the U.S.-flag maritime industry to overturn a blanket waiver of the Jones Act when the White House announced in June its intention to release oil from the reserves. Within 24 hours, the blanket waiver was retracted. However, the Department of Energy later rewrote the specifics regarding how the oil was to be sold, thereby all but eliminating any participation by any tanker or barge flying the U.S. flag.
In its statement, the MTD commended legislators on both sides of the aisle for their criticism of the administration's numerous Jones Act waivers during the SPR draw down.
"A joint letter from Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and David Vitter (R-LA) and Representatives Charles Boustany (R-LA), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Peter King (R-NY), Candice Miller (R-MI) Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Pete Visclosky (R-IN), as well as a separate message from Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), reinforce and amplify our concerns," the MTD stated. "We sincerely applaud them for speaking out on behalf of American workers."