USW Local 5000

In the past couple of weeks, two Great Lakes freight vessels experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 that necessitated an extended stay in port in order to quarantine infected crew members.

Interlake employees received an email from Human Resources a couple of weeks ago with information about changes being made to the process of reporting earnings to state tax agencies.

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A project critical to protecting the environment and the longterm viability of Enbridge Line 5, a crude oil pipeline that supplies refineries throughout the midwest, is in jeopardy.

The Enbridge Straits Line 5 Replacement Segment Project would allow for the current pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac to be rerouted through a tunnel in the bedrock beneath the Straits, protecting the waterway and the Great Lakes.

Recent News

We are now just days away from seeing the vessels crewed by our members returning to service across the Great Lakes. Last year we saw our industry start off very strong, only to be broadsided by the COVID-19 pandemic just weeks after the season began, and several vessels laid up early in the season never to return to service for the remainder of the season. As we look forward to the 2021 season, we want to share some information about the outlook for the season ahead. 

The Steel Industry

Seven members of USW Local 5000 from the Interlake Steamship Company recently completed Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighter training at the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center in Traverse City, Michigan. 

Local 5000 has learned of a fire that broke out aboard the M/V Roger Blough, of Key Lakes, Inc. 

Local 5000 has not had any official reports as to the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage. 

We would like to take a quick moment to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday season.