The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO was well represented across Capitol Hill on May 9 when the U.S.-flag maritime industry came together for the third annual Congressional Sail-In.
MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, Executive Board Members Augie Tellez (SIU) and Mike Jewell (MEBA) as well as representatives from the New York/New Jersey, West Gulf, Michigan, Hampton Roads and Puget Sound port councils were among the 170 people who met with U.S. Senators, Representatives and their aides to promote U.S.-flag shipping, shipbuilders and mariners. Besides the SIU and MEBA, other maritime unions taking part were MM&P, AMO, SUP, MFOW and IBU.
Nearly 30 delegations composed of representatives from labor and industry (deep sea and inland) worked together meeting with elected officials from both parties.
Among the topics discussed were the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, port modernization, domestic shipbuilding and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The focus was to show that all of maritime is united in the need for a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag fleet. Participants shared their own experiences and delivered background material that promoted the industry.