Seadog, perhaps they are accepting applications to replace higher paid mariners/benefits? Nothing new here. Witnessed a lot of stuff with different unions over 40 years. Most fight tooth and nail for every job, some go lower than low. I will rest for now.
And also not know how long it takes to become second mate.
5 ASC ships went to Grand River for 20 year charter. AMO guys were given the opportunity to stay and from what I gather some did. I would imagine at some point some of these vessels will be sold to the Canadian side of the company (Lower Lakes Towing) and the jobs will be gone for good. That being said it seems it went down way better than when MEBA got Interlake jobs from the AMO.
Edit - While this terrible for some of and good for others, it is shipping and very much the landscape of the business.
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I just read Mr. Doellās posts on his Facebook pageā¦Interesting, and unfortunate to see wages and benefits drop.
Im1883, that MEBA vs AMO thing was ugly. Former AMO bigshot switched sides. Hate to say it, but this undercutting happens from time to time trying to get contracts. Mariners/members are mere pawns in this kinda stuff.
With regards to Interlake and the MEBA āundercuttingā AMO. I met several Interlake guys while taking classes at the MEBA school and none regretted their decision. Of course the AMO was under different leadership at the timeā¦
Tom Kelly and/or Jerry Joesph? I forget. High price to pay for getting rid of dead wood, but worth it.
Canadians bought one of those ASC bottoms a couple years ago. Buffalo I think went to Algoma. Hereās the link to the Canadian side of the Company Lower Lakes Towing. As you can see a 7 of the 9 ships are former American Flag, Jones Act qualified bottoms. Of course Iām not sure how many are running or capable of so thereās that.
https://www.randlog.com/canadian-fleet/
Notice the old Sugar Islander. Got a kick out of that.
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Your memory serves you well. Yes, in the long run worth it.
They were more or less permanent company employees and the union really didnāt matter. Thatās why the ones that switched hardly noticed. In fact if they did leave their job they would have to start all over as a third with another company. Union dropped the ball big time. However, it was underhanded in that the ships were anchored in a location without cell signal nor travel once the sailor was ashore and told to switch or quit. Sketchy.
If the guys aboard really thought that, it is really unfortunate. I was permanent for a very long time. Even though I was sailing C/E, and as such administered and enforced the contract; at no time did I ever think the Union didnāt matter.
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Correct sir regarding leadership at the time. The two brothers went to prison on various charges. Mr Doell turned things around bigtime, especially getting the pension back on solid ground and lobbying on Capitol Hill on behalf of itās members.
Quietly speaking, its been worse than imagined. AMO has totally folded over to take it on tje stern and for the guys left its only a matter of time before the same comes to them.
You mean a union didnāt do what they claimed they could do? Iām shocked.
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Now that response does give me a chuckle. I canāt speak for the unions I was not a member of. Shit happens in all that union stuff. As you know, I am quite satisfied with AMO in the last decade or two. My check has never been late. The free school is awesome. Nor did I have to pay for medical for my family growing upā¦ They have lived up to their promise.