M.E.B.A. leadership has asked AMO members to respect the M.E.B.A picket line and not work on several ships including the Liberty Grace, and pointed out said that M.E.B.A did not interfere with AMO's strike at American Steamship Company this past summer.
Liberty Maritime Corporation has found themselves in the midst of a heated labor union dispute after the company somewhat abruptly ended its long-standing, 22-year labor relationship with the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A) union, entering into a contract with the American Maritime Officers (AMO) to man its vessels instead.
“Liberty Maritime’s actions in locking out the M.E.B.A. officers and entering into a contract with the AMO is neither fair nor respectful to the mariners who have given excellent service to the company since its inception.” Jewell wrote in a letter to AMO members. “Liberty’s actions are only meant to divide the labor movement at a time when working men and women are under attack on all fronts. Therefore, I am personally appealing to you to not cross our picket line that we have set up to protest Liberty’s despicable actions.”
Jewell added: “This fight is between the M.E.B.A. and the company, not between labor unions. Please stand with us during this struggle and support us. Your leadership may encourage you to cross our picket line, I ask you to hold firm with us in Union Solidarity.”
AMO on the other hand, is happy with its new contract and has no plans on abiding by M.E.B.A.’s plea’s.