Sam Norton can't be trusted

Now, a year later, as you head into your election to become a part of the M.E.B.A., OSG is again trying to stifle your voice and disallow Chief Mates as part of the bargaining unit, saying that it ignores years of practice. This after their repeated emails to the ship stated they are more than happy to let their Deck Officers choose how they want to be represented – no longer apparently. Furthermore, as they already know, this issue was adjudicated years ago by the NLRB which ruled that Chief Mates were not considered supervisors, but here they are trying to weasel their way out of allowing you your due representation.

However, this was not OSG’s stance a year ago, as the agreement they signed with the AMO included Chief Mates. If you do not believe me, ask Sam Norton to send you the agreement that they signed. What is it that has changed now that he wants to strip you of the rights when he so eagerly wanted to give you away previously?

As this election draws nearer and you all must decide whether you wish to be a part of M.E.B.A., remember what it is we are fighting for: better wages, working conditions, training benefits, uninterrupted vacations, a real pension that one can live well on after twenty years and the list goes on.

It is undeniable that M.E.B.A. is the only option that provides all of that and we hope to bring all of that to you when the election ends.

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