Unions criticize Liberty’s labor switch

Ship and dockworker unions are protesting a decision by Liberty Maritime to employ deck and engineering officers from the AMO to operate its newest U.S.-flag ship, rather than using those of its longtime union, MEBA.    A collective of ship and dockworkers unions are protesting a decision by Liberty Maritime to employ deck and engineering officers from another union to operate its newest U.S.-flag ship, rather than those members of its longtime union, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA).
   For the past 30 years, Liberty has used MEBA to provide deck and engineering officers for its U.S.-flag vessels. However, the company in 2011 moved five U.S.-flag vessels to another union, notably the American Maritime Officers (AMO). On Dec. 2, 2015, an arbitrator issued a supplemental award for damages to MEBA based on Liberty’s alleged 2011 breach of contract related to five U.S.-flag vessels.
   The Maritime Labor Alliance, consisting of MEBA, American Radio Association, Inland Boatmen’s Union, International Longshoremen’s Association, International Longshore and Warehouse Union and International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, said in a statement Wednesday they “consider this shopping of labor unions while a legitimate and longstanding collective bargaining agreement is in effect an affront to all true labor unions.”
   Liberty has recently placed its new pure car/truck carrier (PCTC), Liberty Peace, under the U.S. flag and announced it will place the vessel’s operations in the hands of AMO.
   The Maritime Labor Alliance said it “demands that Liberty cease and desist immediately from violating the valid collective bargaining agreement in place with the MEBA and take the corrective actions necessary to right this injustice.”
   Liberty said its MEBA agreement only covers dry cargo vessels, which are enrolled in the federal government’s Maritime Security Program (MSP), and that the Liberty Peace will not be enrolled in the program. 
   “Despite the absence of MEBA jurisdiction, an offer was made to the MEBA for an arrangement so that the MEBA members would be employed on the vessel while any issues were resolved,” the company said. “The MEBA leadership rejected the offer and refused to negotiate. This rejection and refusal caused the loss of MEBA jobs.”
   Liberty added MEBA will continue to provide officers for its three Liberty Global Logistics PCTCs—all MSP-enrolled vessels, while the Seafarers International Union will continue to provide the unlicensed crew.
   Liberty was expected to hold a reflagging ceremony at Port Arthur in Texas for the Liberty Peace, but due to Hurricane Harvey cancelled the event. “We hope to celebrate this U.S.-flagging ceremony in the near future,” the company said in a statement on Aug. 25.