Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in Seafarers (SIU) history, announced his retirement. “I am in good health and good spirits,” he stated. “But I have often heard that you simply know when it’s time to retire, and this is the time.”
“Mike Sacco’s distinguished career in trade unionism is an inspiration to all of us,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Mike’s leadership at the Seafarers International Union benefited generations of merchant mariners and all working people. Mike led his union with integrity and a fighting spirit that he learned as a rank-and-file member. It’s been an honor to have him serve on the AFL-CIO Executive Council for more than three decades, always quick to offer sage advice and guidance about the future of our movement. We wish Mike nothing but the best in retirement and know he’ll always be ready to take up any fight that boosts working people.”
Sacco hails from Brooklyn, New York, and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and worked aboard U.S. merchant vessels. In 1960, he began working for the international union in a series of posts until he began serving as president of SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, a post he would hold for nearly 35 years. As president of the international union, he also served as president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and as the longest-serving member and vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.
Read more on the SIU website, where the celebration of Sacco’s career will continue in the LOG, SIU’s official publication, in the coming months.