MARINE ENGINEERS' BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION (AFL-CIO)
         "On Watch in Peace and War Since 1875"

MEBA TELEX TIMES       FEBRUARY 17, 2012

The Official Union Newsletter

NUMBER 07

In this issue...
M.E.B.A. Holiday Closings…M.E.B.A. Celebrates 137 Years…MOLA Update…M.E.B.A.’S William Doyle Nominated to FMC Post…Notice from Membership Department…FY 2013 MARAD Budget Released…Navy to Name Ship for Gabrielle Giffords…USNS Comfort to Move from Baltimore to Norfolk…New MTD Website Up and Running…MARAD Seeks USMMA Superintendent…The Maritime Executive Hosting Revitalizing The Maritime Industry: A Maritime Forum…Waterman Steamship: Chief And First Engineer Openings…Horizon Lines: Temporary Port Engineer Openings…ATC: First and Second Engineer Opening…OSG: Chief and First Engineer Openings…

M.E.B.A. HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
All M.E.B.A. port offices, the M.E.B.A. Health & Benefit Plans, and M.E.B.A. headquarters will be closed on Monday, February 20th for Presidents’ Day. The NOLA Hall will also be closed on Tuesday, February 21st for Mardi Gras.

M.E.B.A. CELEBRATES 137 YEARS
On Thursday, February 23, America’s oldest and first maritime union will celebrate the 137th anniversary of its founding.

M.E.B.A.’s ten founding fathers met in Cleveland Ohio on February 23, 1875 to form a united front to combat the unjust and hazardous working conditions of the day. They were representatives of three Lakes associations, a river association and an ocean port – and over the course of a few days they hammered out a cohesive Constitution for a national organization that protected and enhanced their interests. This was the beginning of the National Marine Engineers Association. Eight years later the word “Beneficial” was added.

Early on, our forefathers battled for favorable legislation to certify and license waterborne engineers. They secured U.S. officers – both deck and engine – aboard U.S.-flagships, helped repeal controversial seafarer fees, and raised the standard of living for all mariners. Those early struggles and many others paved the way for the worker protections and benefits we often take for granted today. Happy 137th birthday M.E.B.A.!

MOLA UPDATE
The DEC is proud to announce an update on the status of the Merchant Officers Labor Alliance (MOLA). The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) is currently focused on helping both Unions cut costs, strengthen the positions of both organizations in the maritime industry, and present a united front on Capitol Hill. The JOC has discussed ways to eventually unify both organizations in the future however, before any unification can take place it would need to have membership ratification. No integration will occur without a vote of the entire M.E.B.A. membership.

To give some background information the purpose of MOLA is to foster and strengthen the fraternal relationship between M.E.B.A. and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) so that both organizations may secure stronger contracts with increased job security for their respective members. MOLA strives to develop the framework for the eventual unification of the two organizations.

The MOLA agreement is not a merger. A merger consists of two organizations combining to form a single organization with one governing body. The current MOLA agreement keeps the M.E.B.A. and MM&P as two separate organizations with their own respective governing structure, constitution and by-laws. The document does not allow for a merger, a merger of pension or medical plans. The MOLA agreement is also not an affiliation agreement. An affiliation is an agreement between two or more otherwise independent organizations, which defines how they will relate to each other under one umbrella. In an affiliation, the organization maintains its essential character and continues to enjoy a relative autonomy within the limits established by the purpose of the affiliation.

The conceptual framework for the MOLA in its current form has been around since 2006. The membership of both unions voted on the agreement. On December 14, 2006, M.E.B.A. President Ron Davis and MM&P President Tim Brown signed the MOLA. In January of 2007, both unions announced they were seeking input from their memberships concerning the agreement. In February 2007, M.E.B.A. and MM&P solicited comments from their respective memberships on a DRAFT MOLA. Comments and input solicited from M.E.B.A. and MM&P members were incorporated into the agreement. The final language was posted online and made available to the members at the union halls. A MOLA 90-day Referendum was sent to M.E.B.A. members in March of 2007. During the June 2007 M.E.B.A. membership meetings a rank and file tallying committee was elected to count the M.E.B.A. votes on the MOLA Referendum. On June 15, 2007, the referendum tally occurred. The results showed that M.E.B.A. members voted in favor of the MOLA pact. The M.E.B.A. by-laws did not require membership ratification for the pact, but both M.E.B.A. and MM&P wanted their membership involved. On June 19, 2007, a MM&P tallying committee announced that their members approved MOLA by a huge margin after a 90-day referendum. Later that month the MOLA agreement went into effect. A year later, the six MOLA directors (JOC) had their first meeting in Linthicum, MD. The JOC consisted of M.E.B.A. President Don Keefe, M.E.B.A. Secretary-Treasurer Bill Van Loo, M.E.B.A. Executive V.P. Ed MacCormack, MM&P President Tim Brown, MM&P Vice President-Gulf Robert Groh and MM&P Secretary-Treasurer Don Marcus. Through 2008 to present there have been numerous meetings.

Since 2011, the JOC has met several times. The current JOC members for the M.E.B.A. are Mike Jewell, Bill Van Loo, and Executive V.P. Dave Nolan.

M.E.B.A.’S WILLIAM DOYLE NOMINATED TO FMC POST
On February 10, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) Chief of Staff William P. Doyle to the post of Commissioner for the Federal Maritime Commission. On February 13, the U.S. Senate received the nomination from the White House. The Administration first approached Doyle in mid-2009 while he was a Director at the Alaska natural gas pipeline office. Doyle has previously served on advisory boards in the Bush and Obama Administrations. In 2004, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao tapped him to serve as a board member on the Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, where he served through 2007. Doyle was also appointed as a Liaison on the Labor Advisory Committee to the United States Trade Representative from 2006 to 2008, and Doyle represented the United States in 2008 and 2009 on the bilateral trade delegation for the U.S.-Canada Energy Consultative Mechanism meeting where bilateral energy trade issues are explored to strengthen the largest bilateral energy relationship in the world. From 2008 to 2010 Doyle served as a representative to the United States in the annual coordination meeting between the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Canada’s National Energy Board.

M.E.B.A. President Mike Jewell stated, “I am pleased the Obama Administration has recognized Bill Doyle for his dedication to maritime issues and his hard work on behalf of the United States. I enjoy working with Bill at M.E.B.A., and I know from experience that whatever task he is assigned, he tackles that assignment with skill and professionalism.”

William Doyle joined the M.E.B.A. in 1992 after graduating from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He received his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law and is a graduate of the professional development program at the Academy of WTO Law & Policy, Institute of International Economic Law at the Georgetown University Law Center.

Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr., Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), was nominated to the FMC again, having been appointed by the President in September 2009. Prior to joining FMC, Mr. Lidinsky worked in the maritime trade industry for nearly 40 years, holding a number of positions in both business and government. From 1986 to 2006, he worked at the global maritime company Sea Container Ltd., where he established its Washington D.C. office and served as Vice President for Governmental Affairs. From 1975 to 1986, he served as Director of Tariffs and national Port Affairs at the Maryland Port Administration. Mr. Lidinsky also served as a member of the Sealift Transportation Committee of the National Defense Transportation Association; as Board Director on the Defense, Transportation and Port Security Committee of the British-American Business Association; and as a High-Level Expert to the U.S. NATO Delegation on the Ports and Intermodal Transportation Committee from 1995-2005. He received his J.D. from the University of Maryland and his B.A. from the School of Government and Public Administration of American University.

The White House Announcement: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts-- http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/10/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts.

NOTICE FROM MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
Any member or applicants two years or more in arrears will be reviewed by the District Investigative Committee to be dropped from the membership or applicant rolls. If you are in arrears and desire to retain your membership or applicant status, you must contact headquarters to make payment on your arrearage to return to good standing before the committee meets. This is the final notice before the committee convenes.

FY 2013 MARAD BUDGET RELEASED
On Monday, the Obama Administration released the FY 2013 federal budget proposal. The $74 billion request for the Department of Transportation included $344 million for MARAD and MARAD sponsored programs. This amount is down slightly from the $349 million FY 2012 enacted amount. MARAD Operations and Training is $10 million less than the FY 012 enacted level. Within O&T is $77 million for Kings Point, $10 million for USMMA capital renovations, and $16 million for the state maritime academies.

The administration requests $184 million for the MSP (Maritime Security Program) and together with $2 million in unobligated remaining funds will fully fund the 60 ships enrolled in MSP at the $3.1 million level. MEBA and AMC are constantly working to assure the full funding and the reauthorization of MSP which is so vital to the survival of our deep sea carriers.

The MARAD ship disposal request is $10 million and is $4 million over the FY 2012 amount. The Title XI Maritime Loan Guarantee Program remains at $4 million which only covers administrative expenses to continue to monitor the program.

NAVY TO NAME SHIP FOR GABRIELLE GIFFORDS
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced last week that the next Independence variant littoral combat ship (LCS) will be named USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS 10). The selection of Gabrielle Giffords, designated LCS 10, honors the former congresswoman from Tucson, Ariz. who is known for supporting the military and veterans, advocating for renewable energy and championing border security. Giffords recently resigned from Congress to recover from wounds she sustained in an assassination attempt in 2011.

Mabus also announced the ship's sponsor will be Roxanna Green. Green is the mother of Christina-Taylor Green, the nine-year-old girl who was killed while attending the meeting of constituents where Giffords was shot. A ship's sponsor plays an important role in the life of the ship, naval tradition holds that her spirit and presence guide the ship throughout its service life.

The ship is part of a dual block buy of LCS class ships announced by Mabus in December 2010. By procuring both versions of the LCS - Lockheed Martin's semiplaning monohull and General Dynamic's aluminum trimaran - the Navy is stabilizing the LCS program and the industrial base with an award of 20 ships each.

GABRIELLE GIFFORDS will be 419 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 103 feet, displace approximately 3,000 tons, and make speed in excess of 40 knots. The construction will be led by Austal Shipbuilding in Mobile, Ala. This is the 16th ship to be named for a woman and the 13th ship to be named for a living person since 1850. This is the first ship to bear Giffords' name. For additional information about the Littoral Combat Ship class, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1650&ct=4.

USNS COMFORT TO MOVE FROM BALTIMORE TO NORFOLK
The Navy will move the USNS COMFORT, which has been in commercial lay-up berth in Baltimore, MD for the past 25 years to Norfolk, VA.

Maryland officials fought against the move, according to the Baltimore Sun stating that the movement of the ship would have a negative impact economically on the area. Former Rep. Helen Delich Bentley, who helped to bring and keep the ship in Baltimore, told the Sun the vessel most likely generates 35 to 40 million dollars a year.

Maryland State Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski requested funding for a study on the effect of the move on the ship’s missions, and Baltimore County Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger introduced legislation to require the Navy to do a cost-benefit analysis before moving the COMFORT.

The U.S. Fleet Forces Command attributed the move to cost saving measures, stating that the move would save $1.7 million in the first year and $2.1 million a year after that. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus also said the move would put the ship closer to the open sea and other military and medical facilities.

The official mission of the COMFORT is to provide U.S. troops in combat with emergency medical and surgical care. It was utilized in the Persian Gulf War (1991) and the Iraq War (2003). However, the vessel is too slow to act as an emergency response hospital. In more recent years, it has been used humanitarian relief missions such as responding in New York during the 9/11 attacks, in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

Keystone Ship Berthing holds the COMFORT’s current contract that expires in May 2013. The Navy has made plans to transfer the ship around March 1, 2013. It is unknown if any Navy personnel will be transferred with the vessel or when the duties of the Baltimore civilian personnel will be no longer needed.

NEW MTD WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING
The Maritime Trades Department, a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO of which the M.E.B.A. is affiliated, has its new website up and running. Check it out at www.maritimetrades.org.

MARAD SEEKS USMMA SUPERINTENDENT
The U.S. Maritime Administration has posted the job opening for Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

The Superintendent is the senior official responsible for providing vision, leadership, management, and direction for all (USMMA) activities. Major responsibilities include: ensuring a strong and productive academic program that delivers well qualified graduates for the merchant marine; providing a safe and effective academic environment that addresses the needs of the students and faculty; developing and maintaining a vision for the USMMA's capital assets and long term needs; and maintaining strong financial and operational controls that demonstrate prudent use of the resources.

The Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is responsible for overseeing the development of scholastic standards which encourage the intellectual, professional growth and physical well-being of midshipmen, and effective and economical operation of the Academy's facilities. The Superintendent has a profound impact on the Academy's ability to educate and train individuals to be highly qualified licensed merchant marine officers inspired to sail on vessels of the United States.

The job announcement number is MARAD.SES-2012-0002. The open period to apply is Monday, February 13, 2012 to Wednesday, March 28, 2012. To see the job positing in its entirety visit http://www.marinelink.com/news/superintendent-seeks342583.aspx.  To apply log on to www.usajobs.gov.

THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE HOSTING REVITALIZING THE MARITIME INDUSTRY: A MARITIME FORUM
The Maritime Executive will host Revitalizing the Maritime Industry: A Maritime Forum on May 7th-8th, 2012 at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute, (CCMIT) Baltimore Maryland.

The forum will serve as the beginning of a national campaign to jumpstart the American maritime sector. Much more can be done to rebuild America’s industrial base and generate much needed jobs. America’s marine highways have been underutilized for decades due to failed federal policies and inadequate funding mechanisms. Today, while the infrastructure is in place, U.S. vessel operators, shipbuilders, training institutions and port authorities have been overlooked as vital assets in the U.S. economic recovery plan. The Maritime Executive, with your support, aims to change that perspective in Congress and, most importantly, among the American people. The cost to attend is $575.

The Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In will be held on May 9th, 2012. As in the past, the Sail-In will be a one-day event beginning with breakfast and ending with a reception in the late afternoon. Participants in the Sail-Ins represent virtually every segment of the American maritime industry. The event has been found to be an effective way to convey to Congress the depth and breadth of an industry that is integral to the economic, military and homeland security of our nation and, so, the event has grown significantly every year.

To learn more about the forum and/or to register to also attend the International Propeller Club of the United States’s Salute to Congress or the Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In visit: https://secure.maritime-executive.com/SubscriberManagement/pages/registrations_home.

WATERMAN STEAMSHIP: CHIEF AND FIRST ENGINEER OPENINGS
Waterman Steamship has openings for a Chief Engineer and a First Assistant Engineer. Applicants for the First Assistant Engineer position should have a Chief’s license and be a self-motivated person. May be utilized as a relief Chief with the chance to work his/her way up to permanent Chief. Please forward resumes to Mike Cameron at Mike.Cameron@intship.com.

HORIZON LINES: TEMPORARY PORT ENGINEER OPENINGS
Horizon Lines has immediate openings for interested and qualified personnel for the position of Port Engineers. Qualified personnel should submit their resumes to:

Horizon Lines, LLC
1700 Galloping Hill Rd.
Kenilworth, NJ 07033
Attn: Senior Port Engineer

Resumes can also be sent to Joe Walla at jwalla@horizonlines.com.

ATC: FIRST AND SECOND ENGINEER OPENINGS
Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) is seeking resumes for the positions of First Engineer and Second Engineer on the company’s diesel electric motor vessels. First Engineers are required to possess a valid Tankerman Engineer Endorsement. Please forward resumes to Paul Gunis at paul.gunis@aktanker.com or call at 503-207-0058.

OSG: CHIEF AND FIRST ENGINEER OPENINGS
Overseas Shipping Group is seeking resumes for the positions of Chief Engineer and First Assistant licenses (both with Tankerman Engineer or PIC. New Chiefs and Firsts would be expected to work a tour below their license for familiarization. Resumes can be submitted to Norman Gauslow at NGauslow@osg.com.  You may also contact OSG at (813) 209-0614.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS
Monday, March 5 – Boston@1200; Jacksonville@1300; Seattle@1300;
Tuesday, March 6 – Baltimore/Calhoon School at CMES@1430; Houston@1315; San Francisco (Oakland)@1230;
Wednesday, March 7 – Charleston@1400; New Orleans@1315;
Thursday, March 8 – L.A. (Wilmington)@1230; New York (New Jersey)@1300; Norfolk@1230; Tampa@1300;
Friday, March 9 – Honolulu@1100.

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