Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond on the passing of former Seafarers International Union (SIU) President Michael Sacco:
The AFL-CIO mourns the passing of our brother and friend Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in the history of the Seafarers International Union (SIU) and a beloved champion for generations of merchant mariners and America’s working families.
A proud son of Brooklyn, New York, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and working aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels. In 1960, he came ashore to serve the SIU in a succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. He served as vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979 and helped prepare the next generation of merchant mariners.
From 1980 to 1988, Mike directed the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president, and in June 1988, the Seafarers International Union of North America Executive Board appointed him president, a post he masterfully helmed for nearly 35 years. His steadfast service as SIU president and president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, brought security and stability to the Seafarers, a successful merger with the National Maritime Union, and solidarity with the numerous maritime trade unions. His leadership was an inspiration to the entire labor movement.
In November 1991, Mike was elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, beginning his distinguished tenure as its longest-serving member. His big personality and even bigger heart were relentless in ensuring that working people had a seat at the table in every boardroom and that their voices were heard in every hall of power. Nobody fought harder for our nation’s rank-and-file working people than our Mike.
Mike Sacco was a trusted mentor and leader to his members, a dear friend of the AFL-CIO and an inspiration to the entire labor movement. We send our deepest condolences to his family, his SIU brothers and sisters, and all who knew and loved him. While our hearts break today for this loss, the legacy of Mike’s service to the SIU and trade unionism will live on forever.
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