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Get Information about Houston Maritime Injuries and Jones Act Injuries.
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Jones Act

    10/7/2008
    David Willis
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    Adequacy of Union Daily Maintenance Rate Questioned as set by Union Bargaining Agreement


    In the case of Skowronek v. American Steamship Co., the seaman worked aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel.  While at Skowronek suffered a heart attack.  Under the terms of the union collective bargaining agreement, American Steamship Co. paid $8.00 per day in maintenance to Skowronek objected to the $8.00 union rate claiming that it was not an adequate rate.  The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, however, found that maintenance rates, like any other benefit that was the ultimate result of a give and take collective bargaining agreement entered into by the seaman’s union and the vessel owner is binding on the seaman. 

    Eight Dollar Per Day of Maintanance Found Not Adequate

    Therefore, Skowronek was awarded only $8.00 per day in maintenance pursuant to the union collective bargaining agreement.  This case illustrates the inadequacy of many union maintenance rates.  If maintenance is not agreed on by union contract then the seaman can show what his actual living expenses are for rent or mortgage, basic utilities (gas, water & electric) for his apartment or home, and the cost of transportation to and from reasonable medical care. 
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