The yearly pre-Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, once again proved smooth, successful – and filling.
Locally renowned for decades, the 2022 iteration took place in its usual slot on the Tuesday before the holiday (Nov. 22). The event featured a comprehensive menu, remarks from union officials and guests, and relaxed fellowship.
Among those addressing the crowd of approximately 120 people were U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California), U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto and Yardena Wolf, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DCalifornia). Guests included rank-and-file SIU members and their families, SIU retirees, shipping company executives, representatives from various labor organizations, and others. Among the vessel operators represented at the traditional feast were Matson, Patriot, Pasha, Crowley and Starlight Marine.
“Our theme this year really focused on giving thanks and also on unity,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, long the driving force behind the event. “One point I emphasized is that we can disagree about policies, but we have to stay unified. We’re Americans and we’re all in this together.”
Other speakers shared those sentiments and also underscored their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Charles Farruggia for supplying the photos on this page.
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