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CU Pickets' signs (2 shots)
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MS Pan pickets' sign to mooring...
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A brand new cruise ship, The Oceanic, arrived in New York on April 14 to be greeted by pickets from an American Merchant Seaman's Union who claim that such ships do not have to meet tough U-S safety features.

The 39-thousand ton Oceanic arrived in New York to begin service in the American cruise trade. The 35-million dollar ship is owned mostly by Greek shipping interests and is registered under the Panama flag.

The 3-thousand pickets who were on hand are members of the National Maritime Union who protested what they call "runaway" shipping, which they claim is done to avoid subjecting the ship to rigid American safety standards.

The ship's owners, The Home Line, says the ship was built in one of the best Italian ship yards in Monfalcone and the yard is noted for high quality work.

The Oceanic is manned by Italian and German crew members who are paid about One-quarter the wages American seamen are paid. The American Union has been interested in increasing the employment possibilities for U-S seamen for several years.

There was no interference with passengers or freight brought in on the ship.