As the current administration continues to push an unprecedented, historic waiver of the Jones Act, it is more vital than ever for voices to speak up for the U.S. Merchant Marine in the halls of Congress.
For decades, AMO has ensured mariners’ voices and interests are heard through the effective, strategic use of the AMO Voluntary Political Action Fund. Through this member-funded program, mariners can support politicians and decision-makers who back the maritime industry. No matter the political affiliation, every vote AMO can influence in favor of the U.S. Merchant Marine is a return on investment from our members’ donations.
It’s moments like this where having friends in government pays off.
AMO members have enjoyed monumental gains in contracts and benefits in the past few years, with many fleet salaries seeing double-digit wage increases. The AMO job base has also increased and spread into new sectors such as offshore wind. But attacks on the Jones Act and reduced funding for maritime-related programs such as the Maritime Security Program and Tanker Security Program threaten to take away hard-earned benefits and wages in an instant.
As AMO members, contributing to the VPAF is the easiest way to effect positive change in the maritime industry. The money is an investment in continuing to have good-paying job opportunities. It ensures mariners have a say, even when they are away at sea moving domestic commerce or assisting in national defense.
Jones Act adversaries have played their hand and are trying to chip away at programs and protections meant to strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine. How do we respond? One of the best ways is contributing what you can to the VPAF so AMO has the ammunition to fight back and protect the jobs and wages AMO members have sacrificed so admirably to earn.
Contributions to the AMO Voluntary Political Action Fund can be made directly by personal check, online through the AMO website, and through authorized deductions from AMO Plans vacation benefits.