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Whether you navigated to this column in print or online, you undoubtedly already know that I recently stepped down as president of the SIU. I just celebrated my 86th birthday (on Valentine’s Day), and while I’m happy to report that I am still in good health, it’s time. So, this is my farewell column, even…

SIU President David Heindel Following unanimous approval of the SIU Executive Board, David Heindel became the union’s fourth president, effective Feb. 14. The board convened Feb. 13 near Orlando, Florida. SIU President Michael Sacco announced his retirement and then nominated Heindel (who has served as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1997) as his successor. SIU Executive…

Additional coverage of President Sacco’s career will appear in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG. If you’d like to share a sentiment for possible publication, please email [email protected] Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in Seafarers International Union history, has retired. “I am in good health and good spirits,” he stated. “But I have often heard…

From right President David Heindel, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements and Eastern Area Board Member Chris Given. General Counsel Leslie Tarantola is at left, administering the oath. The most recent Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board meeting proved historic, as longtime President Michael Sacco, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan and Eastern Area Board Member Jim Given announced…

Gen. Van Ovost (Photo courtesy TRANSCOM) The commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) recently provided a powerful, detailed description of why the nation must maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost gave her remarks via recorded video that was shown Feb. 16, during the first day of the winter…

U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips The leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently provided a detailed overview of the agency’s goals and its vision for the industry’s future. Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. (Ret.) Ann Phillips addressed the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board and other attendees Feb. 16 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. She commended…

The head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently offered valuable insights about the maritime labor shortage, the importance of cabotage laws, and how decarbonization will affect transportation employees worldwide, among other key topics. ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton also praised the career of outgoing SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco when he spoke to the…

Fred Redmond left no doubt about the AFL-CIO’s ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine when he spoke to the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board on Feb. 17 near Orlando, Florida. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Redmond, elected last year as the federation’s secretary-treasurer, stated, “A first-class maritime industry is so important to the economic…

William Hanson America’s freight cabotage law remains crucial for the dredging industry, and it also plays a vital role as the nation expands into the wind-energy sector. Those were among the key points offered by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) Senior Vice President William Hanson Feb. 17 at the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive…

Tim Nolan The top executive at a major, Seafarers-contracted maritime company recently spelled out the consistent reliability and outstanding performances of U.S. mariners and the U.S.-flag industry as a whole. TOTE Maritime President and CEO Tim Nolan addressed the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board Feb. 16 near Orlando, Florida. He repeatedly praised U.S. crews…