West Coast Sailors

Labor Day is more than just a season marker or a shopping holiday, Labor Day is a national tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of American workers. Its origins lie in a period of great hardship and determination, when laborers across the country began to organize for better conditions and recognition. In other news, Matson's first of three new Aloha Class ships begin work, California Govenor's race, and redistricting heats up. 

On July 5, 1934, the streets of San Francisco erupted in violence as police and striking longshoremen clashed in one of the most pivotal labor struggles in American history. Known thereafter as Bloody Thursday," the day became a grim but galvanizing moment in the fight for union recognition and workers' rights on the West Coast. 

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, storming the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation. While the day is often remembered for the heroism of soldiers who landed on the shores under fire, a vital yet often overlooked role was played by the U.S. Merchant Marine. In other news, Panama, home to the World's largest ship registry, is facing mounting international scrutiny after accusations emerged that its open registry system has been exploited to help Iran evade sanctions. 

In a significant development for global trade, the United States and China have agreed to a temporary pause on new tariffs, providing a much-needed breather for the international shipping industry. USCG issues new rules to streamline and modernize U.S. reflagging process. Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meets on May 7th and issues range of policy statements. 

Trump announces comprehensive plan to revitalize the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry. Proposes large fees for China built ships calling U.S. ports. A few days later CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saade announces plan to invest twenty billion dollars in the United States over the next four years. This would include American built ships and increasing APL U.S. Flag ships from ten to thirty.  In a last minute deal, the Senate passed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown, ensuring temporary funding for federal agencies.