Members of Congress, military and government officials and union leaders highlight the speakers who will come before the Executive Board of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO when it meets in Atlanta on February 19 and 20. The focus of concern will range from making the U.S.-flag fleet stronger to improving the economy by creating more jobs and hiring of veterans.
The board will hear from 10 speakers. Included among them will be U.S. Representatives James Clyburn (SC) and Bobby Scott (VA); General Paul Selva, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command; Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen and Deputy Assistant Secretary Teresa Gerton from the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Services.
The audience will include labor officials and maritime business representatives.
The sessions will take place in the Savannah Ballroom (10th floor) at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree Street, Atlanta GA 30303. MTD President Michael Sacco will call the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. (EST) each day.
In addition to General Selva, the other scheduled speakers for Thursday, February 19, are John Thackrah, Executive Director of the Military Sealift Command; Charlie Flemming, President of the Georgia AFL-CIO; Jim Given, President of the Seafarers International Union of Canada and Chairman of the Canadian Maritime & Supply Chain Coalition; and Michael Stotz, President and Managing Director of the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation.
On the agenda Friday, February 20, with Representatives Clyburn and Scott, Administrator Jaenichen and Deputy Assistant Secretary Gerton will be AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO is composed of 21 international unions and 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing nearly 5 million working men and women.