Delegates and guests will convene September 5 and 6 under the theme of “Maritime Transportation Delivers” for the 2013 quadrennial convention of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO in Los Angeles. MTD President Michael Sacco will start the convention at 9:30 am (PDT) each day in the Catalina Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel at 404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles.
The two-day gathering will feature speakers from the government, the military, the U.S.-flag maritime industry and labor to discuss issues of importance to workers. Five members of Congress, including the co-founders of the House Maritime Caucus and Ports Caucus, are scheduled to address the convention.
In addition, delegates and guests will hear from the head of Crowley Maritime Corporation, the largest owner/operator of U.S.-flag ships.
On the agenda for Thursday, September 5 are U.S. Representatives Janice Hahn (D-CA) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA); RADM T.K. Shannon, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
Scheduled to address the convention on Friday, September 6 are U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA), Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS); Gen. William Fraser, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command; Thomas Crowley Jr., President, CEO, COO and COB of Crowley Maritime Corporation; Frank Foti, President and CEO of Vigor Industrial; Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen; and California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski.
During the two-day event, delegates will consider resolutions calling for support of vital maritime issues including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, the Food for Peace Program, domestic shipbuilding and the need for enhanced port infrastructure. Other resolutions include salutes to those serving in the armed forces and to first responders as well as calls for jobs and retirement security.
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO is composed on 21 international unions and 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing nearly 5 million working men and women.