The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) is a U.S. labor union representing licensed mariners in the engine department — including chief engineers, staff engineers, and other licensed engineering officers — who work aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels, government-contracted ships, and in related shoreside roles. MEBA’s mission focuses on preserving members’ wages, benefits, safety, training, and job security while supporting a strong U.S. merchant marine and maritime workforce.
Collective bargaining for wages and benefits; maritime safety and crew working-condition standards; support for U.S.-flag fleet policies (including Jones Act and federal sealift readiness); federal maritime workforce training and apprenticeship programs; funding and support for maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding that sustain U.S. maritime jobs; pension and health benefit protections for maritime workers.
Primarily funded by member dues and assessments, training and certification program fees, and investment/other union revenue; maintains a union political action committee for campaign contributions.
AFL-CIO; AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department; allied U.S. maritime labor organizations (e.g., Seafarers’ unions and other merchant mariner unions); broader labor coalitions and maritime industry stakeholders.
Labor union (trade union)
