We call on Saltchuk Resources, Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) and Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) to comply with the National Labor Relations Board’s orders, honor the democratic choice of their licensed deck officers, and immediately begin good-faith bargaining with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) toward fair first contracts.

Nearly two years ago, licensed deck officers at ATC and OSG voted for representation by MM&P. Nearly two years later, they are still waiting for bargaining to begin.

The National Labor Relations Board found that ATC and OSG failed and refused to recognize and bargain with MM&P and ordered both companies to do so.

These officers safely navigate U.S.-flag oil tankers carrying critical energy cargo. Their skill and vigilance support American commerce, energy security and national defense. OSG also operates vessels participating in the federally funded Tanker Security Program. The program provides millions of dollars annually to participating vessels in exchange for maintaining U.S.-flag tanker capacity available to support the nation during war and other emergencies. A company entrusted with taxpayer support and critical national-security responsibilities must respect the collective-bargaining rights of the mariners who operate these strategically important vessels.

Saltchuk owns OSG, and ATC is an OSG subsidiary. As chairman of Saltchuk, Mark Tabbutt has an important leadership responsibility to ensure that companies within the Saltchuk family respect their employees’ democratic choice and comply with the NLRB’s orders.

We call on Mark Tabbutt and OSG CEO Sam Norton to fully comply with the NLRB’s orders and recognize MM&P as the licensed deck officers’ certified bargaining representative and immediately bargain in good faith toward a fair first contract.