ADAM VOKAC for President of the MEBA
The MEBA has done well over the last 7 years while I have been serving as Executive Vice President, and I would like to see many more years of progress for the MEBA. We all know opportunities and growth are hard to find in the US Maritime Industry, so we must focus on maintaining and strengthening the contracts we have while looking for new areas to grow. My current push is through a contract I recently signed with MAN to supply day labor in their shop and on the ships they attend. These jobs are for 2-60 days and pay $50+ an hour with full 11.7% paid by MAN, and all fringe benefits like Pension, Medical, and Training.
Our greatest asset is having skilled Engineers, ready for work, in just about every corner of the country. Meanwhile, we must maintain positive relations with our existing employers, but push back when and as necessary to maintain our hard fought gains. Through the dedication of the dispatchers, representatives, and officials, the West Coast has run efficiently for the last 7 years and we have delivered many solid contracts.
The MEBA Plans are the backbone of the Union, and great focus has been put on them in recent years. I can confidently state they are positioned well financially, including the Calhoon school which was on the ropes just seven years ago. The medical plan has even increased coverage in many areas while managing expenses.
I am well qualified for the position of President, having served 7 years as EVP and 3 years as the Honolulu Representative prior to that. I graduated Kings Point valedictorian, and later earned two Masters Degrees from MIT in Mechanical Engineering and in Ocean Systems Management. I have used my 8 years sailing with the MEBA, with which I obtained my unlimited CE license, and additional 10 years representing the MEBA in the Halls, to build company relations, improve my negotiating skills, as well as my own contract knowledge base, and effectively represent our membership and demand the respect the MEBA deserves.
I have worked hard to modernize the MEBA while maintaining our core principles, and I would like your vote to continue that stewardship at MEBA Headquarters. I would be honored to continue to deliver for the MEBA.
Adam Vokac for PRESIDENT