[B][U][B]AMC 2010 ELECTION CAMPAIGN PLATFORM[/B][/U][/B]
This is a pledge to free the union of past mismanagement through open administration, democracy, and ethical compliance with the law. The problems are well known and widely acknowledged. This platform provides[I][I] [/I][/I]the solutions.
The AMC first identified many of these goals in 2006. As members have become informed[I][I] [/I][/I]and concerned, this effort has continuously gained AMO membership support. We ask you to help us elect an Executive Board that will deliver clear results to improve your[I][I] [/I][/I]welfare.
These goals are achievable. By electing every AMC candidate you will improve your current welfare and your future security. We promise a status report within 100 days (post-election) detailing progress on moving toward these goals.
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[B][U][B]GOAL OVERVIEW: [/B][/U][/B]
1.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]Executive pay and privilege will be reduced. Benefits go to the sailing members first.
2.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]Rebuild your pension, make plans’ benefits equitable for all, improve the conditions for an early retirement, and protect benefits from mismanagement.
3.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]Refocus the union with primary regard for the sailing members and the prestige of the maritime profession.
4.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]Eliminate union government control over jobs, ensure fairness, and improve opportunities through transparent dispatching of jobs.
5.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]Increase democratic representation, conduct fair elections, protect your ballot, and promote the voice of every AMO member.
[COLOR=black]6.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]R[COLOR=black]ejuvenate the political effort to repair the AMO’s damaged reputation and protect our interests.[/COLOR]
7.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT="] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]Develop a competitive business plan with modern marketing measures to secure new jobs and provide members with full knowledge of the business of your union.[I][I] [/I][/I]
[B][U][B]BENEFIT PLANS[/B][/U][/B][I][I] Benefit plans and pension funds are sacred! [/I][/I]
The Pension Fund crisis has devastated many AMO members and their families. AMC candidates have already made major investments in time and energy researching new ideas and developing solutions to repair the damage and to bring greater benefits to your retirement plans. New measures will be enacted to safeguard these funds. We have sought and included proposals from AMO members, pension fund experts, and actuaries. This is a model for how we will conduct business going forward.
We will take action to benefit the sailing members first. Our goal is to rebuild your pension, make plans’ benefits equitable for all, improve the conditions for early retirement, and protect your benefits from mismanagement.
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[B][U][B]SHIPPING RULES[/B][/U][/B][I][I] Control your professional destiny[/I][/I]
Working with you, we will establish a voluntary membership committee on Shipping Rules. This membership-driven effort will review and upgrade shipping and dispatch procedures with the goal of helping both members and employers. We intend to eliminate union government control over jobs, ensure fairness, and improve opportunities through transparent dispatching of jobs. These changes are long overdue.
This effort will establish the AMO as the most progressive union in providing professionals to the maritime industry.
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[B][U][B]UNION OPERATIONS[/B][/U][/B][I][I] A frugal administration, a richer membership[/I][/I]
We must stop the squandering of union funds and engage in a conservative fiscal plan. [U]Executive pay and privilege will be reduced[/U]. We will work to benefit the AMO membership first. Once again, this is about your money. Improving your financial welfare is our first goal.
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[B][U][B]CONTRACTS[/B][/U][/B][I][I] A plan for the future and your money[/I][/I]
Members and jobs are leaving the AMO. We must reverse this trend and generate new job opportunities and attract new contracts. We will increase the scope of this effort with business marketing experts to develop a competitive business plan that accomplishes this important goal.
In today’s business climate success is accomplished when everyone buys-in. You will be a partner in and have full knowledge in the business of your union. . You will have a copy of your employment contract.
[B][U][B]AMO PROGRAMS[/B][/U][/B][I][I] AMO members first[/I][/I]
The sailing members are the most important people in the AMO. You and your family will be confident when bringing concerns to a new AMO administration. We will work hard for you and your family, and continue a strong bond with retired members and beneficiaries.
We are AMO sailing professionals who will rebuild an administration with primary regard for the sailing members and the prestige of the maritime profession through a renewed support of the AMO training program.
We will listen to you and seek your participation in union administration and union business. We plan to accomplish this, in part, through a formal survey of members within 30 days of being elected to office. We will use this information to set new standards and develop membership-driven goals. We will put AMO members first!
[B][U][B]AMO CONSTITUTION[/B][/U][/B][I][I] Your rights and union autonomy[/I][/I]
New democratic procedures are needed to rebuild a strong AMO. Again, working with you, we will establish an independent membership committee to review the AMO Constitution. This committee will work to ensure practical and ethical compliance with the high ideals of American constitutional rights and governance. We will conduct fair elections, protect your ballot, increase democratic representation and promote the voice of every AMO member.
An important element of this goal is to protect the individual as well as the union along with our professional autonomy while working alongside our affiliates, such as the SIU.
[B][U][B]POLITICAL ACTION[/B][/U][/B][I][I] Professional and union honor[/I][/I]
[COLOR=black]The AMO has lost credibility and respect within the industry due to years of poor leadership and mismanagement. The old ways are hurting the union and the industry. We need new leadership and new blood. [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Political action is about working hard to pay attention and know the issues. We are sailing professional mariners who, like you, know what hard work is and how to pursue our best interests. We have opened preliminary communications with[I][I] [/I][/I]lobbying ms and government professionals to prepare a rejuvenated political effort on the union’s behalf. Revitalizing the AMO will promote and protect our reputation with government, industry, labor, and the public[/COLOR].[COLOR=black][/COLOR]
[FONT=Arial] “AMC Campaign information may not be reprinted or distributed through union or employer equipment or materials in compliance with LMRDA Sec. 401-(g).”[/FONT]