Why is it earlier this year two different AMO-contracted companies entered into contract negotiations with the union but neither secured an MoA? Could it be that the company’s offer was unacceptable, but AMO was able to secure contributions to the new plan anyway? In other words, the union got their cut, so they are happy, but the working people were screwed by the union ending/not pursuing negotiations. This may have happened to more than two contracts as well.
I haven’t heard any news on this issue except from friends who have now had their wages froze for a year (or likely more). What happened to the days when a company would not agree to a new contract so the union countered with a strike position? I am not advocating that by any means, but only referencing this because it happened to me a few years back. It seems that whenever AMO now negotiates a contract the “expiration” date seems to be just a number. Just like your salary. Unfortunately this lackadaisical (some say fraudulent) attitude means those affected do not even see a COLA but, in essence, take a pay cut. This will be the major pitfall of the new DC Plan; The union now has no incentive to negotiate for fair salary increases as AMO will not benefit from any gains - the larger contribution to your DC Plan doesn’t make the union more money, so why should they care? Then again, their first priority has always been to secure gains to the S&E Plan and the Pension Plan before even bringing up the subject of wage increases.
I have never been one to compare my work schedule with shore-based wage-earners - I chose this career and I knew the consequences then, but it is also unfair to retort with the ever-present “you get 6 months off” argument (like every union rep that has visited ships I have been on does). Add up a 12-hour day x 180 and then a 9-5 job x 50 weeks/yr (figuring holidays and minimal vacation). It’s roughly the same, maybe slanted slightly in our favor. This goes without saying how many members get that phone call from the office asking them to come back early or do a longer trip. My point is, yes, we as mariners deserve better, but it is hard to expect changes when your officials seem to have lost touch with the demands of choosing a life at sea.