Speeches by Secretary Elaine L. Chao

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Remarks by Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
To the Seafarers International Union Conference
Piney Point, Maryland
September 12, 2002

Thank you for that kind introduction, Mike.

President Sacco, Vice President Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Fay, and members of the Seafarers International Union, it’s wonderful to be here on this beautiful campus.

It’s great to see President Ron Davis, President Mike McCay, President Tim Brown, President Gunter Lundberg.

SIU has many accomplishments worthy of recognition, and I am pleased to join you today to share what we are doing together to improve the lives of America’s sea men and women.

First, I want to give a quick “plug” for my friend, President Sacco. I first met President Sacco while serving as Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Maritime Administration. There were even fewer women in the maritime industry then. I appreciate his openness and enjoyed working with him. Over the years, I have seen his depth of compassion and commitment. Mike, I appreciate your friendship.

Shortly after my confirmation as Secretary of Labor, I was humbled to learn that President Sacco sent a note to President George W. Bush commending my appointment. He didn’t have to do that, but for Mike that is just who he is. He cares about people, especially the members of this union.

And so does President George W. Bush.

His Administration is proud to call you “partners” in defending America’s freedom, and strengthening America’s economy.

Your leadership has met with the President and senior Administration officials more times than I can count. Just last month, President Sacco joined the President at the Economic Forum in Waco, Texas to discuss ways to put a full throttle to economic recovery.

At the Department of Labor, I have invited President Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer Heindel to serve on advisory committees. And I will continue to look to this union when it comes time to fill any vacancies on important boards and commissions.

You see, we share a common goal: to create good, safe, and well-paying jobs for your members and all Americans… and we are taking steps to achieve just that.

Together, we’re pushing the President’s energy plan… a plan that would eliminate our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs right here in America.

Together, we are increasing port security in a more dangerous and unpredictable world. You know what is needed. You know the dangers and the risks. And you also know the solutions to keep America’s ports—and especially the shipping industry—safe and productive. And this Administration will need your input as new safeguards are created and implemented.

There are many more areas of agreement and collaboration… but, of course, the clearest example of your service to America is in your commitment to fighting and winning the war on terror.

It’s still hard to believe the events of just one short year ago.

Within the tragedy, came great triumph of the American spirit. In the height of chaos and confusion, the Seafarers did what you’ve always done when your country needed you… you answered the call for help. Because of this union and other maritime trades, over 160,000 people were evacuated from Lower Manhattan, and returned safely to their loved ones.

There was no time for planning. Instinctually, you’re members sprang into action… whether ferrying victims away from danger… or protecting our waterways, with the strength of America’s fourth arm of national defense, the Merchant Marines.

From the first hours till the latest threats, the Seafarers International Union is always on the job, serving our fellow citizens and our Armed Forces. Some have been at it for months in the union-crewed ships that form the Ready Reserves… like the crane ship Cornhusker or the ammunition vessel William H. Pittsenbarger.

Other SIU-crewed ships are standing by in Guam and Diego Garcia. They are ready to sail at a moment’s notice to deliver munitions, vehicles, and rations to wherever the war on terror might take us.

I saw this spirit of sacrifice firsthand when I visited your fellow members in New Orleans, and then joined Dean Corgey for a tour of the U.S.S. Bellatrix, a SIU-crewed vessel.

It is because of your service that America sustains the strongest military force the world has ever known. And President George W. Bush and his Administration want to thank you for your strong sense of duty, patriotism, and commitment.

The president is focused. He is resolute in defeating terrorism both here and around the world. And he is using every resource to achieve victory, especially the critical role of the Merchant Marines. Recently, President Bush said that the Jones Act must be maintained as “an essential element of U.S. policy that provides important economic and national security benefits to the nation, such as… maintenance of a labor base of skilled mariners.”

And as Secretary of Labor, let me assure you that this Administration is committed to maintaining a labor base of skilled mariners, as well as working with the Seafarers to recruit the next generation of mariners. To achieve this, the Department of Labor has entered an agreement with the Seafarers and the maritime industry to help recruit 10,000 maritime workers over the next five years.

The Department’s One Stop Centers are the recruitment centers for mariners. We are working with community-based organizations, schools, Job Corps Centers, and veterans groups to recruit these new mariners.

I know that when we recruit these individuals the SIU will be there to provide them with the requisite training. The educational opportunities available here at the Paul Hall Center demonstrate the Seafarers serious commitment to the highest standards of training. They have earned the admiration of government agencies and shipping companies from around the world.

It is fitting that this wonderful training center is named after President Paul Hall. His dedication and service to the Seafarers established a foundation for achievement. Under President Sacco’s leadership, I believe the union will go even further in creating the safest, most skilled union in the over 135 years that seamen have organized.

Earlier this year, on May 22^nd, America celebrated National Maritime Day. It is an important day where we recognize and remember all that America’s Merchant Mariners have done and are doing for our country.

To honor these silent heroes, I introduced a National Maritime Day Proclamation. And as a small token of my appreciation for the men and women in the maritime trades, I am pleased to present President Sacco with a copy.

Allow me to briefly read the proclamation:

Throughout our history, merchant mariners have played a critical role in serving this great country. In times of peace, they help us compete in the global economy. In times of conflict or war they have the additional role of carrying vital supplies to our troops abroad… and they do so at great personal risk.

After the horrific events of September 11^th, it was the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine who helped evacuate the injured, and moved equipment and supplies to lower Manhattan. Those efforts helped save many lives.

This group of men and women are serving our country with distinction. Their contributions to our economic strength are great, and their role in America’s ongoing efforts to achieve a more peaceful world are immeasurable.

I applaud and embrace the Merchants Mariners today, and every day. All Americans should give thanks for their service by flying the American flag on this day.

Thank you very much. And may God bless America.

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