The new-look hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, served as a distinguished but still down-to-earth setting for a recent gathering of Seafarers, representatives from various unions – and two prominent politicians from the Commonwealth.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D) headlined the Nov. 20 meeting of the Hampton Roads Ports Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department). Both are longtime friends of the SIU, backers of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and supporters of workers’ rights. They took part in a question-and-answer luncheon as the council conducted its first in-person meeting since the pandemic.
“It was a great event,” said SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey. “I thanked them for being staunch supporters of the Jones Act and all things maritime, and made sure they know they are welcome here any time. They actually asked a lot of questions about Piney Point (home of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Maryland).”
The gathering lasted 90 minutes and was well-attended. Attendees included rank-and-file SIU members and representatives from nine international unions. Topics of discussion included the importance of building more U.S.-flag ships; increasing support for labor/company apprenticeship programs; boosting federal labor laws; and maintaining support for infrastructure investments.
Torrey, MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements and MTD Administrator Brittanie Potter welcomed Kaine and Scott to the newly remodeled hall. Both members of Congress told Torrey how impressed they were with the facility (Kaine had visited a few years ago).
Prior to the meeting, Kaine and Scott spoke privately with participants and guests. Besides the SIU, other MTD affiliates with representation included the Boilermakers, Communications Workers, Electrical Workers, Operating Engineers, Painters & Allied Trades, and Teachers. In addition, the Masters, Mates & Pilots and the Food & Commercial Workers participated.
Finally, both Kaine and Scott saluted retired MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, who opened the meeting and announced this was his final function for the department.
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