Hall Operations

The MEBA halls are what keep our union grounded. The halls provide transparency to the job call process and ensure each member is treated the same. It promotes unionism and solidarity amongst the membership. The halls provide the opportunity to ask other members about their experiences and how certain companies operate their vessels. Each MEBA hall should provide local guidance to the ports and vessels, where to park, where to get a drug test or fit for duty physical. Without halls, the MEBA could not have an effective day work system or reliable local labor pool. The halls allow the MEBA to have local influence and relationships with both politicians and other unions – things that are leveraged when in need.

In 2014, I instituted the Nationwide Open Board System that is ubiquitous in our halls today. It provides real time feedback on any open jobs in the MEBA. The previous system of faxing around sheets was extremely time consuming for dispatchers and had the possibility of introducing unfairness. The Open Board System, and the real time transparency it delivers, helps ensure each hall operates uniformly and honestly – which is critical for the MEBA to maintain as a national union.

Some may believe the halls are an expense the MEBA can do without; I disagree. The halls maintain our integrity and promote unity. Union expenses, including all salaries and halls, are less than AMO's and they don't operate the 13 halls that we do, nor do they provide anywhere near the representation.