Fight for union recognition continues for US deck officers despite historic mandate

In late 2024, Nautilus Federation affiliate the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) celebrated the largest organising win in 50 years among deck officers in the United States, but the company is refusing to negotiate a union contract with MM&P. Captain Tom Larkin of MM&P shared the story with Rob Coston

Officers at Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) and Overseas Shipping Group (OSG), two subsidiaries of Overseas Shipholding Group, have found themselves caught in a prolonged battle for basic workplace rights. The focus of this struggle: a union agreement and representation that they already voted for and that should guarantee them a voice at the table.

Last year, the officers, who work on 17 vessels across the two companies, voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P). But despite the clear mandate, the company has refused to honour the results and negotiate a union contract.

Captain Tom Larkin, Atlantic Ports vice president at MM&P, was deeply involved in the organising process. He says that the process was difficult from the start, with the companies always reluctant despite the fact that union representation is nothing new for them.

'What the officers are asking for isn't anything new or radical,' he explains. 'The rest of the crew members onboard are represented by other unions. Our members are just asking for the same rights.'

CROSSHEAD: Stalling tactics

The companies have now spent months stalling, using various tactics. Meanwhile MM&P has been working hard to negotiate in a reasonable fashion, visiting the company and meeting with management.

People realize the value of being in a union and having a union contract. So, this is not going away. We'll be here for the for as long as it takes to get to a contract

The key tactic has been for the companies to appeal to the US National Labor Relations Board. They have made an appeal aimed at tearing apart the bargaining group, stating that they do not believe the chief mates specifically on these ships should be able to collectively bargain and have a union contract. The companies have also said that there should be only one large bargaining unit instead of a unit at each company, as voted upon.

This has been effective in causing further delays due to US politics. President Trump has not named a third member to the US National Labor Relations Board. Without three members the Board does not have quorum and therefore is unable to decide on the appeal. Meanwhile the companies are not negotiating.

MM&P is therefore waiting on a Supreme Court case on whether the Trump administration had the right to remove the third member from the board, but this is using up valuable time and is, in any case, merely an excuse for the company to stall.

'There's a lot of case law that says that they do have to come to the table with us right now,' Capt Larkin explains. 'Even if they appeal the decision, even if they appeal the vote itself, results are not stayed – the company still has to come to the table and bargain in good faith. And that's what we're here for. We're here to bargain in good faith too.'

Sticking together

'I wish the circumstances were different and we could all just be adults and get to a contract. I guess part of that strategy is hoping that the officers get tired of the process, that they lose faith,' Capt Larkin says.

'We need to help people stay strong. The positive thing is that people are sticking together, especially our bargaining group members. People realize the value of being in a union and having a union contract. So, this is not going away. We'll be here for the for as long as it takes to get to a contract.'