Federal Labor Board Orders OSG and Alaska Tanker Company to Bargain With Deck Officers

The National Labor Relations Board has ordered two Saltchuk Resources tanker subsidiaries to recognize and bargain with the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), following a long-running dispute over representation of more than 125 licensed deck officers.

The orders cover Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) and Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), where deck officers voted to join MM&P in separate NLRB-certified elections in 2024. The union won 70% of the vote at OSG and 80% at ATC.

Rather than begin negotiations for first contracts, the companies challenged the election results and declined to bargain, prompting unfair labor practice charges from the union. The NLRB issued a bargaining order against ATC on May 19, followed by an order against OSG on August 4.

The bargaining units include chief, second and third mates serving aboard 17 U.S.-flag tankers carrying energy cargoes and other supplies, including cargo supporting U.S. military logistics.

The dispute comes amid heightened security risks for U.S.-linked commercial shipping. On August 18, Iranian state media reported that an Iranian military official had identified OSG among shipping companies under scrutiny for supporting U.S. military operations and warned of potential retaliation.

“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,” said Capt. Don Josberger, international president of MM&P. “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.”

The dispute also touches on federal support for the U.S.-flag tanker fleet. Saltchuk subsidiaries participate in the Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program, which provides annual payments to commercially operated U.S.-flag tankers that are available to support Department of Defense sealift requirements.

MM&P argues that companies receiving federal maritime subsidies should be expected to comply with federal labor law and recognize the bargaining rights of their mariners.

The union said Saltchuk is seeking federal court review of the dispute, while labor groups and lawmakers, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal and the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department, have called on the company to begin negotiations.

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