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SIUNA conducts convention (9/12)

The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA), AFL-CIO, will conduct its 2007 quinquennial convention September 13-14 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. “Mapping Out a Brighter Future” is the theme for the convention, which will feature a notable lineup of guest speakers from government, labor and the maritime industry. Michael Sacco, SIUNA president, will chair the two-day convention. Among those scheduled to speak to the delegates are: AFL-CIO President John Sweeney Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., commander, Military Sealift Command U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton International Transport Workers’ Federation Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton Jacqueline Smith, president, Norwegian Seafarers’ Union Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia Tom Buffenbarger, president, International Association of Machinists Maryland State & District of Columbia AFL-CIO President Fred D. Mason, Jr. Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO President Ernie Grecco Capt. David Stalfort, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center Convention delegates will tackle a number of key issues. Topics on the agenda include: the transportation worker identification credential program, the Employee Free Choice Act, the war against terrorism, cabotage laws, LNG opportunities, political action and international solidarity, among others. The SIUNA was chartered in 1938. It consists of 13 autonomous affiliate unions representing approximately 82,000 members, including the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, which is the largest U.S. union representing merchant mariners in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. -- 30 --