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MTD convention celebrates gains in U.S.-flag shipping (7/18)

The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO has issued the following news release. Maritime Trades Convention Celebrates Gains Made in U.S.-Flag Shipping For Immediate Release / July 18, 2005 For More Information, contact: Daniel Duncan in Chicago, 312-464-1000 Under a theme of “Blueprints to Blue Seas,” the 2005 quadrennial convention of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO celebrates the advancements in the U.S.-flag maritime industry during the past four years. The convention will take place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers (301 East North Water Street, Chicago) on July 21-22, 2005. Several speakers from the business side of the maritime industry will examine the progress that has been made. They include Colin Veitch, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line; and Dave Meehan, President and CEO of Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. Vice Admiral David Brewer, Commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, will address the outstanding work being done by civilian mariners to supply the American armed forces deployed around the world. The President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, Christopher Koch, will speak about maritime security needs. In addition, Rod Blagojevich, the Governor of Illinois, will welcome the delegates and guests with his remarks Thursday. The agenda for Thursday, July 21, includes AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, and Illinois AFL-CIO President Margaret Blackshere, as well as Gov. Blagojevich, VADM Brewer and Veitch. Slated to speak before the MTD Convention on Friday, July 22, are AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and Communications Workers of America President Morton Bahr, in addition to Koch and Meehan. MTD President Michael Sacco will convene each day’s session at 9:30 a.m. (CDT) in the hotel’s Sheraton Ballrooms II and III. The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO is composed of 28 international unions and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 7 million working men and women. ###