Do the present generation of "Sea-Farers" realise that a organization known as the "Officers Maritime Union Of India" exists in 2008? All "Sea-Farers wages" on "Indian owned vessels" were and are still negotiated by the "Maritime Union Of India", yet tragically, the relevance of the "Union" has diminished after  the "Contractual employment" adopted by "Indian Shipping companies" akin to "1992 Economic Liberalisation".

Does anyone recollect Mr Leo Barnes, Mr Charles D'Lima or late Mr Sukhia? Once upon a time , both, the "Crew Unions" as well as "officers unions" were a monopoly of these gentlemen for decades as also "Election In-fighting" ,which could teach a lesson or two to some seasoned politicians.

"CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYMENT" in Indian shipping killed the bargaining power of Unions and at present, thanks to a shortage of officers as well as profits in the shipping Industry, seems everyone is reaping the "moolah".

The "Times" they are and have been changing.