AMO Pension

mainiac · July 19, 2010, 3:07pm

Here is the latest from AMC:

Dear AMO members,

We are AMO members who want to form a better union government, right the wrongs that have harmed so many, and protect our financial future and professional integrity. Our grassroots network has expanded to nearly every port and company in the union. Active AMO members supporting this cause are meeting with interested members in many ports and regions.

We can meet with you ashore or on your ship to discuss the election, the issues, and the solutions that are possible with a membership-driven and ethical union government.

The list is growing. You can meet with an AMC representative in: [B][B]Maine[/B][/B][B][B], Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Texas, California, Oregon, [U]and[/U] Washington. [/B][/B]

We are listening to you and want to serve the AMO membership. Please reach out to us.

Contact us at committee@youramc.org

[COLOR=black]Or from the contact page on AMC Website[/COLOR][COLOR=navy]: http://www.youramc.org//[/COLOR]

Thank you and fraternally,

Bruce Keller
AMC Chairman

mainiac · July 23, 2010, 3:02am

[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.
[B][U][B] [/B][/U][/B]
[B][U][B]GOAL OVERVIEW: [/B][/U][/B]
1.[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=1][FONT=&quot] [/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=&quot] [/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=&quot] [/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=&quot] [/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=&quot] [/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=&quot] [/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=&quot] [/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.
[B][U][B] [/B][/U][/B]
[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.
[B][U][B] [/B][/U][/B]
[B][U][B] [/B][/U][/B]
[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.
[B][U][B] [/B][/U][/B]
[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]

mariner173 · July 24, 2010, 8:10am

From the website of Bethel and the Boys:

"[B]Real election reforms were adopted by our administration. It is now impossible for any AMO official, representative or employee to tamper with ballots, and it is easier than ever for any AMO member in good standing to vote in a union election or in a policy referendum — and easier than ever for each AMO member in good standing to know without doubt that his or her vote will be counted[/B]. "

Great track record there! I guess all the BBQ Grills have been removed from the Union owned grounds.

Jeffrox · July 24, 2010, 7:59pm

I’M NOT AN AMO MEMBER BUT I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL TODAY…FWIW

Dear Friends:
When our administration was sworn into office in January 2007, we pledged to
you and to each other that we would make the most of the opportunity we had
been given. We promised to hold our union’s proper position as the leading
union of U.S. merchant marine officers, and we vowed to make AMO more open,
more efficient, more effective and more democratic.

With your support, we have succeeded in significant and lasting ways.
American Maritime Officers remains the only officers’ union with a growing
job base, expanding options in diverse trades worldwide, and practical and
realistic strategies to protect benefits for you and your families.

In addition, we have reformed the way our union operates. AMO officials,
representatives and employees are more visible, more accessible, more
accountable, more responsible and more responsive than ever. Honest, open
dialogue between you and our administration is the new norm, and it is
easier than ever for you to vote - and to have your ballot count - in AMO
elections and policy referenda.

We will discuss our record of achievement on your behalf in much more detail
during this year’s AMO election of officers. We will comment constructively
on policy platforms offered by other candidates. We will address anticipated
controversies directly, completely and truthfully. We will make our case,
and we are confident your vote will be driven by one question: Why change
now?

As always, we appreciate your patience during this difficult but important
democratic exercise. We are certain that you will demonstrate your
traditionally sound professional judgment by resisting calls for change for
its own sake and by allowing us the continued privilege of representing you
in a critical time for all U.S. merchant mariners.

Please refer to www.ychangenow.com frequently to follow what is sure to be
lively and instructive discussion. Thank you for your time and
consideration.

Tom Bethel, National President
José Leonard, National Secretary-Treasurer
Bob Kiefer, National Executive Vice President
Joe Gremelsbacker, National Vice President (Deep Sea)
Don Cree, National Vice President (Great Lakes)
Charles Murdock, National Vice President (Inland Waters)
Michael Murphy, National Vice President (Government Relations)

http://www.ychangenow.com

Pensionless · July 25, 2010, 4:42am

Well, I wonder why Bethel doesnt discuss the wages he receives? Or the fact that Plans employees which probably include the Union Officials already receive 100% contribution in the new plan. As a matter of fact if the Union Officials didnt receive the 100% already he would throw that in thier face. He sure doesnt want to discuss that he and almost his whole slate have buyouts and he approved the plan for himself to get the highest new contributions while most of the membership, mainly guys under 40 got really screwed.

I thought the seagoing membership brings in the money to the union, but we get 40% for at least 7 years while the people who are in thier own bed every night get 100% right away. This is his idea of fair , democratic and the union way? I wonder what else WE dont know? Where thier is smoke usally something is burning.

As far as Nickerson, I cant believe he still has a job, any where else he would be gone for lousy management and a few other things. Nickerson says that most buyout members are getting near normal retirement age. What a crock, I know at least a dozen men who are in thier early to mid 50,s, they arent going anywhere. That’s just me too, how many do you guys know? Dont be fooled, they are all laughing at us.

Nickerson says the new 40% contributions will be coming from existing contributions, just re-allocated. The big Question, if this money already exists and we wont lose any benefits or services, WHERE HAS THIS MONEY BEEN FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND WHY WASNT IT IN THE PENSION PLAN? Answer that question.
Was it used to build housing in Toledo that were used for a year? Was it used to secure a 8 million dollar judgement against Jerry Josephs that was forgiven after we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars winning the judgement?
Was it used to sue Jack Hearn instead of just agreeing to a new election?
I could go on and on but its more of the same.

Bethal doesnt mention the suspension of dental benefits in 2003, as far as medical goes, we lost MPB for a whole year, thats more than 5 dollars a day.

The medical plan now has an excess of $40,000,000 and the School had $10,000,000 to spend if the contract were negoitiated properly this money would have been in the pension plan.

Why is it the SIU’s pension plan did just fine during this “market meltdown”? as did MEBA’s. Maybe MMP has a problem, but we never bought ships with our pension plan either.

Dont let Bethel get to you with the “experience” issue, remember when he said Leonard had no experience last election. Well a year later he writes an article about how he trust Leonard to run Dania while he is in Washington. So in one year Leonard went from no experience to being able to run Dania on his own. Must not take much experience huh?

Maybe its because the Prez lives in Philly and Washington is closer than Dania, or maybe its being closer to a free condo to live in and all the award dinner meals.

I wish Bethels website had a forum to ask questions and get answers for all to see.

Instead you must call him, is this so nothing is on record?

BethelSux · July 25, 2010, 5:33pm

Vote AMC! they’re our only shot out of this mess if there still is one. Pass the word to make sure your dues are paid up through the end of the year. I know this sounds simple but I believe non-payment of dues is the reason why we have that huge building being constructed during this time of hardship for all of us. I am going to do all I can to make sure Tommy doesn’t get much time to enjoy this new building purchased through my sweat.

Pensionless · July 26, 2010, 5:01am

Its not hard times for the people that will be working in the new building, 100% contributions on the new pension already ect…

Remember, This AMO administration tried hard so the 20 and out went away this year. Dont let them fool you that they “found a way” to keep it. It wasnt thier first choice, that is on record. They had to do it or hundreds of members would have fled and the companies would follow as they need thier ships crewed.

How many guys are in the LNG fleet, we dont hear much about that anymore, try to get a number they wont give you one.

Faststream is paid $10,000 a month from AMO, its in the LM-2, how many guys are employed thru them?
Try to ask, you wont get a response.

Its not that more ships are in the union, its that hundreds of guys have left in the last year. Look at the LM-2 reports that show the number of union members and check year over year.

Ask how many guys have a buy out and are between 50 and 59 years old, good luck. (Most are sailing in the top slots)

Ask why we have money already in contributions for the new pension plan, we wont lose any benefits or services, so WHERE HAS THIS MONEY BEEN GOING FOR YEARS? Not in the pension plan, whats this spell? Poor contract negotiating by Bethel and Kiefer for years!!!

I do not know Jack Hearn and have never met him, I just want what was promised to me for years and years without millioniares getting a second pension.

BethelSux · July 26, 2010, 8:52am

[I][B]“I do not know Jack Hearn and have never met him, I just want what was promised to me for years and years without millioniares getting a second pension.”

[/B][/I]If I may make a suggestion, you should get to know him. What you “just want” isn’t just going to happen. Especially if the current thugs get re-elected. I’ve never met Jack as well but I know he has answered every e-mail I’ve sent him and answered his phone when I called once.
This is it! This coming election is our last chance to try and straighten this pension mess and all the rest out. If we miss this one its over and done, raise the white flag, drop trou, and just bend over!

edivdp · July 27, 2010, 9:13am

Well, I wonder why Bethel doesnt discuss the wages he receives?

Gents this is all public information through the DOL website. Here’s the wage breakdown for the 2 Officer Unions as of 2008’s LM2 statements.

Don Keefe-MEBA $198,374
Thomas Bethel-AMO $284,656

And total Union Officer salaries.
AMO $2,072,886
MEBA $1,362,240

Texaco · July 27, 2010, 10:34am

I only sailed as an AB and not since '97. I did make many trips with Capt Hearn with TOTE. Having mostly been on the 4-8 and 8-12, I had a lot of time around him on the bridge. The conversations with the Mate and Chief were enlightening. He ALWAYS treated everyone with courtesy. How many Capts do you know who thank their ABs for their turn on the wheel and/or doing their job in general? This is a man that I have said many times that I would gladly sail to hell and back with. Only one other skipper has that endorsement with me. Graduated first in his class, I think KP. Don’t make assumptions with that. I can’t say enough good things about Capt Jack. And no, we’re not related. Certainly a man to be trusted, and one that I can easily respect.

edivdp · July 27, 2010, 1:31pm

I’ve heard lot’s of good things about Jack Hearn myself and for the record I’m a MEBA member of 15 years.

Jeffrox · July 27, 2010, 10:22pm

Not an AMO member but I have received two more emails from AMO since the one I posted above. I wont post them here as they are essentially the same info, attacking the challangers, that is posted on that ychangenow website. I think ya’ll might have Bethel et al on the run, they certainly are defensive…

Steamer · July 28, 2010, 4:45am

[QUOTE=RkyMtn Paul;40500]I can’t say enough good things about Capt Jack.[/QUOTE]

Hi Paul, that was a very nice recommendation, Jack sounds like the type of captain we should see more often.

Bu I am going to really stick my neck out here. I am not an AMO member so have no business even commenting on this election other than in a general way so don’t take my comments as personal attacks against any individual. As a union member (MEBA) who has suffered the results of selecting leaders because they are - or were - really nice guys who were great shipmates has time after time, every single time, led to the draining of the treasury, and the creation of policies that have all but destroyed the union and its membership.

We are an organization equal to many large corporations if we are measured by financial activity. We have executives who negotiate contracts worth many millions of dollars and have a profound impact on thousands of “employees.” The corporations we work with and negotiate contracts employ professional business executives with high level training and education in business and finance, they are skilled negotiators. They are not workers who, because they were good bowlers or fun at the company picnic, were asked to represent the company at board level. We, on the other hand, select our leadership because they are “nice guys” or fun to run ashore with in Busan or Hong Kong. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to our future employment, our pensions, and our standards of living and work.

I believe it is time for maritime unions to admit we are not businessmen, we are not politicians, we are not diplomats, we are sailors. Let’s do what we do best and hire the best to do what we have no expertise. I believe it is time we changed the way we manage our unions. I believe we should elect representatives to a “board of directors” who will oversee and advise a hired team of executive managers who are the one who interface with their equals in the corporations which are our real employers. This board can represent the needs and wishes of the rank and file and ensure that “sea level” folks are fairly treated in all union affairs. The board should be paid at a rate which matches what they would make if they sailed for the period of their representation. A chief engineer would receive what any other chief receives in the same period, a 3rd mate would get what a sailing 3rd mate puts in the bank each month. There is nothing to lose by serving and no more to gain by corrupting that service either.

We have a broken system and we are the ones who broke it. It is up to us to fix it and I sincerely believe we will never fix it by simply changing the names on the stationery.

Pensionless · July 28, 2010, 5:07am

Bethel gave himself a raise from $284,000 to $322,000 from 2008 to 2009 during the worst economic times since the 1930’s. Plus he burns thru $80,000 plus in expenses.
This is fiscal responsibility? All the while we lose the pension plan? After all the members got thier final pension statements anybody that doesnt have a high three as Captain or C/E got a rude awakening. They are really screwed, bad!!
I urge everybody to go to the AMC website and look at all the LM-2 reports for all the maritime unions, they are under the library heading, it is incredible. We have a administrative assistant that makes more than most Captains and C/Es. Numerous special assistants to the President and Vice Presidents at salarys all higher than any Captain or C/E. Hundreds of thousands of dollars paid every year to “computer consultants” and numerous different law firms. Talk about out sourcing!!

I urge you all to read these reports, this is where youre money went and goes, imagine if these monies were in the pension column of the employer contributions.

Dont reward millioniares for lousy management that has affected you and your family. Its time for a change, it cant get worse.

Whoever named Bethels campaign with “Why Change Now” just doesnt get it, its a slap in the face and also a you know what.

Jeffrox · July 28, 2010, 7:17am

Here is yet a fourth email; I’m posting it as it mentions this thread and calls out one of the posters here…

What’s your question, Jon?

Jon Sprague, an AMO member supporting Jack Hearn and his AMO Membership
Committee (AMC) in this year’s AMO election of officers, fired off a curt
e-mail to this site on July 27. “Why don’t you have a forum so we can ask
you questions instead of shoveling this BS down our throats?” Jon wrote.
“Probably because you are gutless.”

Jon already participates in an anonymous Internet “forum” thread dedicated
to attacking our administration through overheated rhetoric, inaccurate
statements and uninformed commentary. In one recent post, Jon – using the
screen name “Mainiac” (Jon’s spelling, not mine) – distorted an exchange he
and I had had the night before during the informational AMO membership
meeting in Newport News.

But the greater point here is that Jon and all other AMO members can ask me
or any of the incumbent candidates running with me any question they want
directly through our campaign Web site (ychangenow.com). AMO members can
click on “Contact Us” and find e-mail links to me, Jose Leonard, Bob Kiefer,
Joe Gremelsbacker, Don Cree, Charles Murdock and Mike Murphy – put your
questions to us, and you will get honest and complete answers.

Membership accessibility to all AMO officials, representatives and employees
has been a hallmark of my administration since I became national president
of AMO in January 2007, and it is a hallmark of our campaign. Most AMO
members have my cell phone number (202-251-0349 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-251-0349 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), and many of them use it
without hesitation – which is as it should be in our union.

Now, two questions for Jon Sprague: What is your question, Jon? Where is the
"forum" sponsored by Jack and the AMC?

– Tom Bethel

http://www.ychangenow.com

Texaco · July 28, 2010, 8:19am

Steamer, Very good points. I didn’t mean to simply imply that Capt Hearn was a buddy or friend. He is a consummate professional well respected by his peers. Google Jack and you have several links. Bethel, not so much. I believe that it takes a professional sailor to fully represent the needs of his union. It seems that SUP doesn’t have to many issues doing this. IMO, the best run Sailors Union- and no, I was never, unfortunately, a member. And I well remember how Keystone, among others, screwed the unions in the 90s. I don’t think having business professionals would have helped very much. Maybe I’m wrong. At times, unions are a necessary evil and they have strong, positive points. I’ve worked on non-union, deep sea ships, and it wasn’t pretty. It’s not my union. These are just my opinions from having been around the guys who are/were the rank and file. I do wish them the best of luck getting this mess sorted, as it can only be beneficial to the seagoing, union community. Again Steamer, very good points.

Steamer · July 28, 2010, 8:50am

That is undeniable, and it’s why I propose a board of directors composed of sailing rank and file. They are the only ones who can identify what issues matter and suggest alternatives. And they should have the power to make sure the executive committee does what is best for the union.

Negotiating those alternatives and negotiating contracts is better done by placing a peer across the table. The old cliche that you don’t bring a knife to a gunfight applies here, we keep sending sailors to battle with Harvard Law grads and MBA’s from the London School of Economics. Those guys couldn’t find the engine in an engine room but they laugh all the way through a contract negotiation. Our guys seem to only learn how to fatten themselves by following the advice of and sharing in the spoils of pension lawyers who could care less about my welfare or yours.

It seems that SUP doesn’t have to many issues doing this. IMO, the best run Sailors Union- and no, I was never, unfortunately, a member.

I agree with you there, the SUP and MFOW seem to have figured out how to keep the crooks out of leadership and do what is best for the members. They have the best contracts with the best companies and the membership is made of professional seafarers. What I have seen of their operation (and I have sailed MFOW), the members have a voice and the leadership listens and acts accordingly. But, they are small by comparison and the leadership is not so far removed from the rank and file or the ships.

I don’ think there is any evil at all to a real union. I have sailed union and non union and know the good and bad points of both and prefer union. But, I want a union that doesn’t represent everything the anti-union forces need to condemn trade unionism.

BethelSux · July 28, 2010, 9:42am

[QUOTE=Jeffrox;40553]What’s your question, Jon?

Jon Sprague, an AMO member…Blah…Blah…Blah[/QUOTE]

Keep up the good work Jon. Your obviously are getting under their skin. If we can keep getting TommyBoy to respond to our posts he looks like a bigger ASS all the time. Very Presidential indeed! Now that I know he visits the site, Bite me Tommyboy!

BUTT-HEAD · July 28, 2010, 6:21pm

He said Bite me duhhuhhuh huhhuhhuh huhhuhhuh

Hearnia · July 30, 2010, 7:20am

On the money Butt-Head. “Bite me” was the best Beavis Bethelsux could do? Not surprised. Bethelsux told someone earlier to “get to know” Jack Hearn, then said in the said in the same breath: "I’ve never met Jack as well."
By the way Beavis Bethelsux, Bethel wasn’t responding to posts on this forum. He was responding to email sent to his campaign by Jon “Mainiac” Sprague. It would help if you guys would READ before you leap; it’s really not difficult.
By the way “Mainiac” Jon Sprague, I think a lot of us want to know what you wanted to ask Bethel.

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