M.E.B.A. Q&A

Thank you all for the questions that have come in and to those who have requested that their personal email addresses be added to the list.

While it has been apparent that most of you no longer wish to sit idly by, but want your voices to be heard at the bargaining table, it is also clear that there is some confusion as to your status with M.E.B.A. at the end of the election. In the interest of being completely transparent, we want you to know what you can expect; because M.E.B.A. respects you as professionals, we will not try to hide or sugarcoat the information we provide.

We understand that this is not a recruitment campaign filled with cartoons and jokes, but an earnest discussion about your future and your opportunity to make your work environment a better place for you and your fellow deck officers. When M.E.B.A. wins the election, and the first deck contract is secured with OSG, you will come into M.E.B.A. with these benefits:

Q: What group status (seniority) will I be in the union?

A: Group 1 (M.E.B.A has 3 group levels; Group 1 is the highest)

Q: Will there be an initiation fee and if so, how much is it?

A: Normally, there is a $4000 initiation fee; this will be waived.

Q: Can I ship off M.E.B.A.‘s board directly, or do I have to stay with OSG for any a certain amount of time first?

A: If you want to leave after a first contract is secured you can and will still maintain your Group 1 status.

Q: Will I keep my permanent position on the vessel I am currently on?

A: All Deck officers who wish to remain with OSG will maintain their permanent position aboard their vessel for as long as they want.

Q: Do I need to travel to take an annual physical?

A: No. M.E.B.A. is in the process of removing this requirement. You will have the option to take your physical at M.E.B.A.’s or at your personal physician’s office, or any clinic you like, to renew your USCG medical certificate as necessary.

Q: Will I be able to clear electronically?

A: Yes, this process has already been in place since 2012 for the OSG engineers. It is simply a matter of sending an email to our Tampa Hall and confirming your mariner documents are valid.

Q: Will all members in M.E.B.A. be allowed to vote to ratify our contract?

A: No, only OSG deck officers will be able to vote on the ratification of the first contract.

We appreciate all the questions and look forward to continued conversations.

Please continue to explore mebaorganizng.com!

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