Pay gains in new AMO agreement with OSG America

Pay gains in new AMO agreement with OSG America

American Maritime Officers has reached a tentative agreement with OSG America Inc. on a three-year contract covering all captains, chief engineers, mates and assistant engineers in the company's tug fleet.

In addition to full recognition for all assistant engineers, AMO has limited recognition for AMO Plans benefits for all other AMO members employed aboard OSG tugs and articulated tug/barges (ATBs).

The agreement provides for wage and overtime increases of 22 percent for assistant engineers over the life of the contract. The package also provides for additional bereavement pay and an increase in travel pay between home and vessel, as well as a wage differential for assistant engineers working aboard tugs over 10,000 HP and/or vessels engaged in lightering operations.

The negotiating committee secured all actuarially required increases in contributions for all AMO benefit plans for all AMO members working aboard OSG America tugs and ATBs.

The negotiations took place the week of March 17 in Tampa, Fla. The AMO negotiating committee consisted of Capt. Tim Reid of the OSG Independence, the chief engineer of the M/T Constitution (a current candidate for elective office), Chief Mate Don Turbeville of the OSG Independence, Cargo Mate Steve Palmer of the OSG Columbia, Assistant Engineer Ralph Leitner of the OSG Honour, an AMO national representative, and the AMO national assistant vice president, at large.

Throughout the week, the AMO negotiating committee fought hard to obtain full recognition for all marine supervisors in the fleet. Although the company would not meet that demand, the negotiating committee was successful in establishing a dialogue with OSG, which will promote better communication on matters related to compensation and other working conditions.

"The AMO members serving on the bargaining unit committee should be commended for their hard work and perseverance, and for the professionalism with which they represented their shipmates during the negotiations," said the AMO national assistant vice president.

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