(BALTIMORE, MARYLAND) - The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ordered both the Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) and the Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Saltchuk Resources subsidiaries, to immediately recognize the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and bargain in good faith with more than 125 Licensed Deck Officers.

The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots represents U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Masters and Mates aboard U.S.-flag vessels nationwide.

The Officers voted decisively for MM&P representation in separate NLRB-certified elections in 2024, winning 70% at OSG and 80% at ATC.

Instead of beginning first-contract negotiations, ATC and OSG challenged the results and unlawfully refused to bargain.

Following the Union filing Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges, the NLRB issued a formal bargaining order against ATC on May 19th (2026), followed by a second bargaining order against OSG on August 4th (2026).

The Bargaining Units cover Chief, Second, and Third Mates aboard 17 U.S.-flag Oil Tankers carrying critical energy cargo and militarily useful supplies.

The risks these Mariners face are increasingly direct: On August 18th, Iranian State Media reported an Iranian Military Official identified OSG among Shipping Companies under scrutiny for supporting U.S. Military logistics and warned of potential retaliatory measures.

“Two groups of Licensed Deck Officers voted overwhelmingly for (MM&P) by (70% and 80%) and now the Federal Government has ordered both companies to bargain,” MM&P International President Captain Don Josberger said.

“These Mariners have waited more than two years while navigating active conflict zones to support our Nation. Saltchuk needs to respect their choice, comply with the Board’s orders, and come to the bargaining table,” he said.

Saltchuk subsidiaries receive millions of dollars in federal subsidies through the Tanker Security Program (TSP).

MM&P maintains that companies benefiting from taxpayer support should not be permitted to violate Federal Labor Laws while denying basic bargaining rights to the American Mariners risking their lives at sea.

While Saltchuk seeks to drag the dispute into Federal Court and further delay compliance with the NLRB, pressure mounts with numerous Elected Officials and Labor Federations - including U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and the Transportation Trades Department of the National AFL-CIO, which are calling on corporate leadership to end its stalling tactics and begin good-faith negotiations immediately.