Tom Bethel

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Thomas J. Bethel is an American labor leader. He was appointed as the national president of the American Maritime Officers union (AMO) on January 8, 2007[1] by the union's National Executive Committee.[2] Bethel formerly served as AMO's national executive vice-president[3], which is the third highest position in the union.[3] He began serving as national executive vice president January 1, 2001[3], after being elected to the position by a margin of 796-421 over challenger Richard Ouellette.[3]

Bethel sailed with AMO as a Chief Engineer for several years before being named a union representative in 1986.[4] He later served as an executive board member[4] and as the national assistant vice president at large.[3]

In the 2006 union election, Bethel ran on a slate of candidates, which included then-incumbent national president Michael McKay.[5] In reference to McKay’s candidacy during the campaign, Bethel wrote of his "sincere belief that Michael McKay is the best candidate for president in this election. Like his father before him, he has dedicated his life to improving the wages, working conditions, and benefits for the AMO membership."[5] He "also thought (Robert) Bobby McKay was doing a good job, and I thought he should continue as secretary-treasurer."[5]

In the election, Michael McKay was re-elected national president and Robert McKay was defeated in his bid for the position of national secretary-treasurer.

On Friday, January 5, 2007, Michael and Robert McKay were convicted of racketeering charges.[6][2].

Following his conviction, Michael McKay resigned his position as national president at the urging of Bethel, Daniel Smith (then-national vice president, Great Lakes), and the union’s National Executive Board. The union’s National Executive Committee convened and voted unanimously to appoint Bethel to complete McKay’s term as the union’s national president.

Still in its first year under Bethel's leadership, the union's administration pursues transparency in operations and open communication with the membership. An independent firm has been retained to conduct all future union elections and referendums. A hotline has been established for officials and employees to report any instances of abuse or misconduct. Attendance of National Executive Board meetings has been opened to the union’s membership. And Bethel has actively sought the input of former unsuccessful candidates for union office in an effort to harvest new ideas for improving the union’s performance and service to the membership.

Bethel is married to Gerry Bethel. The couple has two children.[7]

[edit] See also

Nautical Portal
Organized Labour Portal

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bethel pledges to work with membership and new officials to "right the AMO ship". American Maritime Officer. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
  2. ^ a b Bethel Is National President of American Maritime Officers. Seafarer's Log. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d e AMO Elected Officers To Begin New Terms January 1. American Maritime Officer. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
  4. ^ a b Tom Bethel For Executive Vice President. youramo.com. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c Tom Bethel's Easy Choice. youramo.com. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
  6. ^ Jury finds two union officials guilty. Sun-Sentinel.com. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
  7. ^ Your Union on Course: A Secure Future In American Maritime Officers. yourunion2006.com. Retrieved on March 16, 2007.

[edit] External links

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