The controversial 10-year contract between Interlake Steamship Co. and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association was concluded in secrecy at the home of James Barker, Interlake's chairman and principal owner, the day before Interlake and MEBA began imposing the contract on Interlake's vessel officers during a joint week-long sweep of the fleet in July 2003.
American Maritime Officers is pursuing the right to shore leave for personnel aboard U.S.-flagged Great Lakes bulk carriers calling at U.S. Steel Corp.'s Zug Island dock in Detroit.
