Back to work: AMO and ASC reach tentative agreement in Great Lakes strike

The American Maritime Officers union and the American Steamship Company have reached a tentative agreement on an expired labor contract, ending a week long AMO strike and allowing ASC to restart vessel operations.

Under the new agreement, both parties have agreed to extend the current contract through – at a minimum – the end of the 2011 Great Lakes shipping season, and the assurance that both sides will be able to reach a successor agreement come 2012.

AMO National President, Tom Bethel, said in a statement posted to the AMO website, “AMO and ASC are now confident and committed to reaching an agreement prior to the beginning of the 2012 operating season – an agreement that ensures the job and benefit security of AMO members and addresses the company’s competitive needs.”

The strike started on August 1 when AMO members working for the Great Lakes operator walked off all ASC vessels, forcing ASC to cease operations.

Pictured: ASC vessel M/V Buffalo courtesy ASC

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