The US National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) has upheld a complaint against Pasha Hawaii shipping line and some subsidiaries over allegations about issues associated with the construction of two new containerships.
NLRB – the body that prosecutes unfair labour practices – is acting on a charge made by the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P) that the union’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was being violated in relation to the container ships being built at Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas.
MM&P claimed that Pasha Hawaii, which runs Jones Act-compliant services between the islands and west coast US ports, failed to provide documents the union requested before construction began on the two ships.
Next NLRB will seek an order compelling Pasha to turn over the requested documents
Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii ordered the two LNG-fueled vessels in May.
As recently as October the company earned more positive attention for its decision to provide a vessel to help in the relief efforts for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.
MM&P represents about 6,000 members comprising qualified and highly trained professional mariners.
