AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Salutes Maersk Alabama Crew

by Tula Connell, Apr 16, 2009

John Cronan, a member of MEBA and a former Seafarers member, spoke this morning on the “Today” show.

The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) salutes the courageous efforts of the all-union crew aboard the Maersk Alabama for maintaining control of their vessel, as well as the heroic efforts of the U.S. Navy in rescuing Capt. Richard Phillips from his Somali captors.

Union members like John Cronan, third engineer and son of a merchant sailor, who summed it up this way on NBC’s “Today” show:

We didn’t have to retake the ship because we never surrendered it. We’re American seaman. We’re union members. We stuck together and did our jobs.

The eight licensed officers and engineers aboard the U.S.-flag vessel are members of either the Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) or Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), while the 12 unlicensed crew members are represented by the Seafarers (SIU). Cronan is a MEBA member and a former Seafarers member.

MTD President Michael Sacco, speaking on behalf of the maritime unions involved, said:

We are extremely proud of the efforts shown by the crew of the Maersk Alabama. These well-trained American merchant mariners exemplify the very best in our industry.

We also cannot say enough about the sacrifice of Captain Phillips to ensure his crew’s and his ship’s safety. Without his selfless act, we may have seen a tragic outcome.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, “The crew and Captain Phillips personify the heroism that working Americans bring to their jobs every day.”

In saluting and honoring them, we honor the skills, commitment and bravery that make our country strong.

Sacco thanked President Obama and his administration for staying on top of the developing situation and authorizing the use of decisive action.

American merchant mariners have served as the nation’s fourth arm of defense since the American Revolution. The crew of the Maersk Alabama fully understood the rally cry of “Don’t give up the ship!”

The Maritime Trades Department is composed of 23 international unions representing working men and women at sea, in port facilities, in shipyards and other maritime-related fields.

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