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CONTACT: Javiera Cartagena September 15, 2015 Office: 714-774-0236
Cell: 949-742-4241
LOS ANGELES – Today, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez announced the endorsements of leading maritime trade unions, including the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.), the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP) in her bid for U.S. Senate.
“Whether it means visiting a ship at the Port of LA/Long Beach or standing up to Congressional leadership, Congresswoman Sanchez has routinely shown that the hard-working men and women of California come first. Due to her longstanding support of the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act, and Cargo Preference laws, we are confident that Senator Sanchez will be a champion of U.S. flag maritime issues for years to come¸” said M.E.B.A. President Marshall Ainley.
MM&P’s endorsement letter praised Congresswoman Sanchez’s efforts stating that her “work in Congress to achieve a fully funded Maritime Security Program, the enforcement of America’s U.S.-flag shipping requirements, and the preservation of our nation’s coastwise shipping laws have helped ensure that our nation has the United States-flag commercial sealift capability and the American mariners needed by the Department of Defense to support American troops overseas.”
“I am honored to have the support of these significant labor organizations. Maintaining a robust American merchant marine is crucial to our economy and national security. I am committed to preserving American maritime jobs that protect our country’s interests abroad,” stated Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.
Established in 1875, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association is the oldest maritime trade union in the United States still currently in existence. M.E.B.A. represents a large and diverse mix of engineers and deck officers, experienced and skilled in all types of commercial shipping.
The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots traces its origin back to 1880. It has since fought to protect the rights and working conditions of the seagoing maritime community.
Established in 1885, the Sailor’s Union of the Pacific is comprised of sailors that work in the deck, engine, and steward’s departments in U.S.-flag vessels.