We will update this page with current job openings and upcoming job needs from the various companies whose workforce is represented by USW Local 5000. 

We are not a hiring hall and do not handle, process, or forward job application materials, and information on this page should be considered general information only. Please refer to the Human Resources department at each company for the latest information about their hiring needs. 

Maritime Industry

Despite the economic downturn of 2020 and the resulting layup of a number of ships, the demand for credentialed mariners, especially those holding an AB endorsement, is expected to continue into 2021. There is a significant demand for AB's, while demand for OS's and other positions is expected to pick up in the early summer months and continue throughout the remainder of the season. 

Central marine logistics

No information is available at this time. 

interlake steamship company

Currently accepting applications for:

• Able-Seaman
• Ordinary Seaman. 

Interlake Steamship is currently constructing the M/V Mark W. Barker, which will become the 19th vessel to be crewed by USW Local 5000. The Barker is expected to enter service in 2022, adding 11 new permanent positions and creating a need for additional relief positions within their fleet.

Visit Interlake Steamship's career webpage to download an application, and email your completed application package to [email protected]. 

key lakes, inc. (Great lakes Fleet)

Currently accepting applications for: 

• Able-Bodied Seaman
• Ordinary Seaman/Deckhand - Entry Level
• QMED/Oiler

While there is a good chance that Key Lakes, Inc. may not operate three of its vessels in the 2021 season, there is still a strong demand for entry-level and experienced members to join their crews. 

Visit Key Lakes, Inc.'s career webpage to view current openings and submit your...

In order to obtain employment as a Great Lakes mariner, you must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration, and a Merchant Mariner Credential, including the U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Many of our represented vessels will make Canadian ports a regular part of their trade pattern, and crew members must be able to clear Canadian customs prior to entry into a Canadian port. A common issue among newly credentialed individuals is the discovery that a DUI/OWI on your record prevents you from clearing Canadian customs (a DUI/OWI is a misdemeanor in the United States, but is a felony in Canada.) All crew members on vessels entering a Canadian port must be able to clear Canadian customs, otherwise, they must disembark the vessel prior to entering a Canadian port. If you have ever received a DUI/OWI, we strongly suggest applying for rehabilitation with Canadian Immigration prior to applying for a TWIC/MMC. Learn more about Inadmissibility to Canada and Individual Rehabilitation from the Government of Canada website. 

TWIC

Obtaining a TWIC is the first step in obtaining the credentials needed to work as a Great Lakes mariner. Without qualifying for a TWIC, you will be unable to continue the application process for an MMC. To obtain your TWIC, visit the TSA's TWIC webpage to apply and schedule an appointment at your nearest enrollment center. Note: When applying for TWIC, be sure to identify your occupation to TSA as a Merchant Mariner.

The cost of obtaining a TWIC is currently $125.25.

Merchant Mariner Credential

A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is issued by the United States Coast Guard after submitting a detailed application package that includes the following forms: 

• CG-719B - Application for Merchant...

USW Local 5000 will conduct the election of a new Executive Board in accordance with our Local Union By-Laws in the Spring of 2021. This page serves to inform our members of the election process, and any relevant information about the 2021 Executive Board Election. We encourage you to monitor this page regularly for the latest updates.

The current members of the Executive Board were appointed by USW Officials and assumed responsibility of USW Local 5000 on May 1, 2020, to complete the remainder of the three-year term, which expires May 1, 2021. 

Nominations for Office (Due March 31, 2021)

Normally, in land-based local unions, elections are held at a designated location on a certain date. To accommodate for the challenges imposed with the overwhelming majority of our members working aboard vessels for months at a time, nominations will be made in writing and mailed to our Business Agent. Nominations must be submitted in writing with your name and signature to verify the eligibility of the member submitting the nomination (preventing non-union members, or members of the public from participating in the electoral process.) 

The following offices are open for nomination: 

• President
• Vice-President
• Treasurer
• Financial Secretary
• Recording Secretary
• Trustee
• Trustee
• Trustee

In order to be eligible for nomination to office,

• The nominee shall have been in continuous good standing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding the month in which nominations begin.
• The nominee retains an employer-employee relationship with a Company under the jurisdiction of the Local Union.

There will only be an election if more than one person is nominated for any given office. 

Election

The deadline to submit nominations closed on March 31, 2021, and the Elections Board has reported the following members have been nominated and qualify for election to the respective office: 

President

Kevin Vekaryasz

Vice-President

Adam Larson

Treasurer

John Glentz

Financial Secretary

Nate Chesebro

Recording Secretary

Bob Haworth

...

United Steelworkers Local 5000 is not a hiring hall, and we do not require our members to seek work exclusively through our union. 

This page is created to answer common questions from our members regarding unemployment compensation. This page should be considered a general guide, and if you have more specific questions, we encourage you to contact us for further assistance. 

work-search waivers

We have had several members approach us requesting work search waivers in the past few years. Unfortunately, due to state laws regarding unemployment, we are unable to provide work search waivers to our members. We understand that waivers have been provided in the past, but again we stress that state laws prohibit us from providing them any longer. 

Hiring hall Status

United Steelworkers Local 5000 is not a hiring hall, and we do not require our members to seek work exclusively through our union. Your state unemployment application may ask questions about our union's status as a hiring hall, or about work search requirements imposed by our union. It is important that you answer these questions honestly, otherwise, your application may be delayed, denied, or you may be requested to repay payments that were previously disbursed. 

Mass layoff number

In most cases, your company should provide you with a mass-layoff number at the time you are laid off or shortly thereafter. This number is not critical to processing your unemployment claim, but it can help speed up your application processing time. You should contact your HR manager to obtain this number. If it is not available, do not delay applying for unemployment - it is better to file without a mass layoff number than wait for the number and apply later. 

Central Marine Logistics 

No information is available. 

Interlake steamship company

At the conclusion of the 2021 navigation season, employees of the Interlake Steamship Company will no longer seek unemployment benefits exclusively through the State of Ohio. Instead, you must file for unemployment from your state of residence. This comes as part of a series of changes as to how Interlake Steamship Company is reporting earnings to state treasuries. 

Key Lakes, Inc. 

No information is available. 

Sisco, Inc. 

No information is available.