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Welcome to the
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association!
Since 1875, the MEBA has been the premiere maritime labor union for
the officers of the United States Merchant Marine. Today, with
thousands of marine engine and deck officers, the members of the
MEBA are unparalleled in maritime training and experience. We crew
the most technologically advanced ships in the U.S.-flag fleet,
including cruise ships, tankers, vessels on the Great Lakes, and
container ships. We sail aboard Government-contracted ships of the
US Navy’s Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Administration’s
Ready Reserve Force, on tugs and ferry fleets around the country, as
well as fireboats, and in various capacities in the shoreside
industries.
In
the late 19th century, the forefathers of the MEBA fought
to eradicate dangerous and deadly working conditions on early
steam-powered vessels – conditions that threatened not only our MEBA
brothers and sisters but all passengers at sea.
The
heroic actions of the Merchant Marine during both World Wars
galvanized the union to right other wrongs that had long endured on
the sea. MEBA was the first union to bargain for a 40-hour work week
while at sea. MEBA secured overtime pay and night relief, won the
right to man their own hiring halls and to have union
representatives visit ships to ensure proper working conditions. The
tenacity and vision of MEBA’s founding members has led to the
Union’s recognition as a champion of seafarer rights.
MEBA officers have continued to offer substantial contributions to
our nation’s defense both in times of peace and in war.
MEBA members braved the waters of the North Atlantic and the dangers
of the Murmansk run during World War II. We served in every US
conflict since 1875 from Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf to
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. We brought critical
food-aid to starving people in Ethiopia, Somalia and in dozens of
other regions around the world. As America watched the tragedy of
September 11th unfold, MEBA was there, ferrying thousands
of people to safety in New York. During the aftermath of Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita, the tsunami in southeast Asia, and countless other
disasters MEBA was there, with the professionalism, pride and
patriotism that has long been the hallmark of the American mariner.
MEBA’s expertise and proven track record of readiness, safety, and
loyalty in answering America’s call to action is unrivaled in the
world. While the future of the maritime industry is in question, one
thing is certain. The members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial
Association will unceasingly fight to preserve America’s fourth arm
of defense – the U.S. Merchant Marine. |
