Six of the country’s leading maritime labor organizations, American Radio Association, Inlandboatmen’s Union, International Longshoremen’s Association, International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, and International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, announced the establishment of a broad alliance to protect the interests of their members on September 13th.
“On behalf of our members, we will vigorously protect our jurisdictions, working conditions and labor rights. Accordingly, we have established a new organization, the Maritime Labor Alliance,” the new Alliance said in a statement that was jointly signed by ILWU President, Robert McEllrath, ILA President, Harold Daggett, IBU President, Alan Cote, MEBA President, Michael Jewell, ARA President, Floyd Hepting, and MM&P President, Timothy Brown.
The first order of business of the Maritime Labor Alliance was to receive a report from ILA President Harold Daggett on the status of USMX contract negotiations. Contingency plans regarding these negotiations were discussed and mutual support pledged.
A report was also received from International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) President Paddy Crumlin regarding a collective, global strategy to ensure that the rights and livelihoods of maritime workers are protected in the efforts to automate maritime workplaces as a means of union busting.
The members of the alliance pledged their mutual support to defeat attacks on bona fide labor unions by organizations intent on undercutting working conditions and displacing incumbent workers. “We welcome a constructive dialogue to address the challenges facing our industry. But if threatened, we will not stand down. It is on this basis that we will move forward in solidarity,” the statement said.