Here you'll find most of the U.S. maritime labor unions, as well as other links pertaining to maritime labor. The links are divided into categories, thus:
U.S. labor unions
American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations
The AFL-CIO homepage.
American Maritime Officers
Represents licensed officers in all sectors of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, including ocean-going, Great Lakes and inland waters commercial, military support and cruise vessels.
Industrial Workers of the World
The IWW, "the one big union," affectionately known as the "Wobblies." Unlike the "corporate" unions, these people are radicals. They want to change the whole capitalist structure.
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Organized in 1909 (or thereabouts) in Portland, Oregon. Has a marine division. Also has a local representing workers at Powell's Books.
International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
Founded in 1880 by inland masters and pilots, but now controlled by offshore mariners. See also The Watchdog, an MM&P rank & file site.
Licensed Officers & Maritime Workers Union
Representing licensed deck officers who serve aboard the vessels of the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority.
Marine Engineers Beneficial Association
MEBA has been around for quite a while. Established in Cleveland in 1875, with roots going back to the 1850s.
Marine Transport Workers Industrial Union, IU510, IWW
Part of the Industrial Workers of the World. Open to all workers involved in water-borne commerce -- sailors in ships or tugs, longshoremen and clerks, stewards' department or engine room.
Offshore Mariners United
Organizing mariners in the offshore energy sector in the Gulf of Mexico. OMU is a union itself, but enjoys support from the five member unions of the AFL-CIO's Maritime Trades Department.
DISBANDED!
Sailors' Union of the Pacific
Founded in 1891, a union of unlicensed sailors who work in the deck, engine, and steward's departments in U.S.-flag vessels. Headquartered in San Francisco.
Seafarers International Union
The SIU represents unlicensed merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades, as well as licensed mariners in the Great Lakes and inland sectors.
Other labor-related stuff
Association for Union Democracy
AUD is a pro-labor, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the principles and practices of democratic trade unionism in the North American labor movement.
Brown Water Mariners Association
A new name in the grass roots labor movement on the Mississippi River and connecting waterways.
Free the ILA Charleston Five
The website of a campaign to free the International Longshore Association members in Charleston South Carolina who face felony charges for peaceful picketing.
Gulf Coast Mariners Association
An association of mariners (and their families) living or working in the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf Coast area. Active in regulatory affairs. Supported by five American maritime unions, it "provides information on the value of mariners uniting."
International Transport Workers Federation
A global organization of transport workers' unions. Over 500 unions in more than 100 countries, representing over 5 million trade union members in every branch of transport. The ITF was founded in 1896 in London by European seafarers' and dockers' union leaders who realised the need to organize internationally against strike breakers. They met in New Orleans in December 2000 and lent their support to the offshore mariners organizing in the Gulf of Mexico.
LabourNet International
Promotes computer communications as a medium for strengthening and building organised labour.
Pilots Agree
This is the web site of Captain Dickey Mathes, the man who started the Pilots Agree towboat pilots' uprising on the Mississippi River and connecting waterways.
NEW LINK:
Seamen's Justice Center
Lists numerous nefarious deeds attributed to the leadership of the Seafarers International Union (SIU).
Workers Democracy Network
A movement to fight union corruption and business unionism, seeking "one-member, one-vote and the end to all cooperation with the corporate elite."
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