The Executive Board of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO will emphasize its support for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference laws when it meets in Lake Buena Vista, FL on February 21 and 22.
The board will hear from two members of Congress who are strong maritime supporters. In addition, the board members will review issues dealing with domestic shipbuilding, infrastructure and ports, and other topics of concern to workers in the U.S. and Canada.
Ten speakers are scheduled to appear, including the U.S. Maritime Administrator, a vice commandant from the U.S. Coast Guard, and the head of a U.S.-flag shipping company. The audience will include labor officials and maritime business representatives. The sessions will take place in the Citron East Ballroom at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, 1900 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830.
MTD President Michael Sacco will call the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. (EST) each day.
The agenda for Thursday, February 21, includes U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, Overseas Shipholding Group President/CEO Sam Norton, Dredging Contractors of America CEO/Executive Director William Doyle, and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler.
Scheduled for Friday, February 22, are U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), USCG Vice Commandant RADM John Nadeau, United Mine Workers of America Secretary-Treasurer Levi Allen, Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig, and American Federation of Teachers Chief of Staff Jessica Smith.
The MTD 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.