AMC answers to common questions.

Section I, AMC Campaign

1. They'll say: We don't have experience to manage a union.

We do. We've been members for years, understand the pains and demands of our industry, the desires of the men and women on our ships, and what it will take to replace frustration with enthusiasm and dignity.
We have business experience in the industry. We have experience with labor contracts, business charters, operating costs, sales, planning, and decision making. We have experience with crisis management, education, and the latest developments and trends of industry that include ISO and regulatory requirements and Quality Management Systems.
It's an insult to our membership to render the idea that our membership cannot run the union. We can transform ourselves from dedicated professional to dedicated manager at any level, including executive. We have proven academic and professional abilities in one of the toughest and most regulated industries in the world. We manage ships and critical operations, the latest maritime technology and systems, complex regulatory issues. We are, LIKE YOU, as skilled as anyone ashore...and more in touch with our roots and the demands of today's industry.

2. They'll say we don't have political connections.

Most political connections will remain the same. Many will be renewed and invigorated by the respect we gain when the AMO displays to the industry that it is a fair and democratically operated union. The administration does not own the political connections of the AMO.
Political connections and experience will receive immediate attention. We intend to represent with honor, our membership of national heroes. Our membership goes into harm's way through the hazards of the sea and war, bringing our nation's ships, crews, and cargo for the welfare of US Commerce and Defense. We have every reason to be proud.
We are experienced in politics, representation, and public speaking. In addition, we will not hesitate to find support and assistance in the public arena.

3. They'll say we don't have connections in national labor.

Our partners in labor, and the efforts of labor will be honored. This is a union and we are connected! We've been connected to labor throughout our careers at sea.
Our candidates are members in good standing and joined the AMO in good faith. They intend to preserve that faith by continuing their professional work in the best interest of the union.
Once again, the present administration does not own AMO labor affiliations and connections. The growth of the AMO in labor will continue to be strong and supportive.

4. They'll say we don't have business experience with finances and operations.

We do. We work in the commercial sector, understand the demands of business, costs, and operations. We will double check our operations by bringing in reputable auditors to ensure we are doing everything possible to review our decisions.
We have contact with reputable consultants, auditors, and firms that will assist in taking control of plans and assets. We will make continuous progress to ensure the welfare of the union and the protection of assets.
We will not wait for mistakes to be made or damage to occur. We will be proactive in our efforts to be efficient, secure, and progressive.

5. The present administration has experience with finances and operations. It will cost the union to set up a new administration.

The present administration has also hired financial and legal assistance to find accounting and managerial discrepancies but these experts were hired after the fact of many problems. Our intention is to be proactive in our goals by hiring independent professionals to safeguard the interests of the union and the membership, not to promote and defend the well-being of the administration.
It is common for members of our profession to take managerial positions ashore. We are not going to rely on our own resources. We intend to select outside agencies and install a system of membership checks and balances that will ensure proper and legal accounting of union funds. Firms will have reputations and standing of excellence. Their expertise will enhance the managerial functions of the union. The standards will establish a measure of safety never before secured and should establish a method of security for following administrations.

6. What makes our campaign promises different from those of the opposition?

We will be accountable to the membership for our promises. We will find measurable methods to prove our promises and actions and these accountings will be published.
Further, we will not rely on holding jobs and control of contracts as a position of strength and influence over members. Members are promised the right to complain and argue for change without the fear of retaliation. This has been a hidden but inherent threat to our members. It will not occur with our administration.
Everything is under review by our committee. We will select candidates that value honesty and hard work as their foundation to everyday labor. As we progress in this campaign, you can tell us what you want. Our dynamic effort to learn and contribute back to the membership has already started.

1. How will the AMC candidates reduce executive authority?

Changes to the Constitution will be efficient, in plain but legal language, and improve involvement. Constitutional change will require referendum vote and membership consent.
Resolutions and appointed positions will be temporary until ratified by a greater membership referendum.
Membership, individual, and equal rights are sacred. Benefits are sacred. Benefits, political action, and other union activity will not be involved with shipping rights and employment.
Executive Board Members have a duty to represent the membership. Their independent authority will be protected to increase the strength of the membership in all regards.
Empower the membership with involvement, information, and true transparency of union operations. Techniques to improve using internet technology, membership representation in collective bargaining, and training in union operations will broaden the understanding of union procedures.
Executive authority is a duty. It will provide no special rights or privileges. AMO executive positions will serve the membership.

2. What are the AMC strategic plans for change of command and future business management of the union?

Temporary assistance will be used to secure a safe transfer of legal authority, accounts, asset title search, and other measures necessary to protect the union and the new administration during the transition.
Establish firm management of union operations and finances. Cost savings will become a separate priority.
Immediate compliance of our platform and begin measures of success reportable to the membership.
Develop membership committees and delegates to help accomplish these goals.
Implement financial and managerial audits to measure the state of our union.
Establish priorities to take care of our membership and comply with financial and regulatory practices, review contracts, revitalize new contracts, improve political and industry image.
Improve trust and security. In fact, we will make this a continuous task.