"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela
"You can't always get what you want...." - Mick Jagger
"Successful negotiation is not about getting to 'yes'; it's about mastering 'no' and understanding what the path to an agreement is" - Christopher Voss
SEDMC ultimate goal as follows:
To systemize and harmonize the cementing together of differences arising between the different organizations engaged in similar lines of work, or between different organizations, as well as between employers and employees engaged in maritime commerce in the Ports and Locals beginning with those in Morehead City, North Carolina, continuing southward along the Atlantic Coastto the southernmost tip of Florida, and those in Tampa, Florida, continuing southward along the Gulf Coast to the southernmost tip of Florida.
To endeavor to act as mediator between employers and employees in any branch of business represented in this organization, and to promote the interest and welfare of each and every organization and member connected therein. object and purpose of the Southeastern Dock and Marine Council is hereby declared to be of the different organizations employed in the handling of imports and exports of products in the named
To aid and support each other, as far as possible, in obtaining just and fair remuneration for the different classes of labor engaged therein; to place the different organizations on the same footing as regards to wages or compensation for similar classes of work, thereby protecting each other from unfair and unjust methods of unfair employers in dealing with weak employees.
To endeavor by our actions of Education, Negotiation and Mediation to increase the business of the ports thus enabling us, in the capacity of organizations, and as individuals, to increase our earning and strengthen our membership and our standing in the community, individually and collectively.
To maintain a high standard of morality among our membership, insuring that respect and confidence of the community, and taking the place which rightfully belongs to the producer of wealth in this great American country; to elevate the standard of American workmen, and to enable our membership to secure compensation adequate to the services rendered, thus enabling them to properly raise and educate their families to take their place among the citizens and wage-earners of a free and intelligent people.
To prevent, if possible, any strikes, lockouts, or any interruptions to the full and free intercourse of commerce by using all possible endeavor to prevent any disagreements between employers and employees that would endanger the kindly spirit and friendly feeling that should ever be present between men having business dealings to and through the ports comprising the Southeastern Dock and Marine Council and vicinities, realizing that strikes and lockouts are like war between nations; that while at times they are unavoidable, they are never without serious loss and inconvenience to the parties involved, but injurious to parties not directly interested, and in many cases, the winner is also the loser...
