On September 4-5, the quadrennial UIW convention brought members and officials from all over the nation together at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. The gathering, which was finally able to resume in-person since the previous meeting had been postponed due to COVID-19, offered attendees updates about the latest UIW developments from each region. This year all sessions took place in the Michael Sacco Media Center, recently renamed for the former union President who passed away last year.
To commence the first day’s proceedings, President David Heindel lead with opening remarks, honoring his predecessor and addressing the UIW’s top concerns. In his address, President Heindel gave a brief state-of-the-union of sorts— speaking to recent challenges such as those facing union members in the Virgin Islands and celebrating the UIW’s victories, like the successful union campaign at Maryland LIVE which added 125 new jobs to the union’s roster. Heindel spoke of the union’s tenacity, even in the face of opposition, and how that strength and togetherness will continue shaping a strong future for the UIW.
“Brothers and sisters, solidarity has always been the lifeblood of this union and of the labor movement. It is what carried us through the darkest times and what will carry us through the battles ahead,” said President Heindel. “The UIW has never backed down, never broken ranks, and never forgotten that our strength is collective. That’s why I am confident in our future. Together, with solidarity and camaraderie as our compass, we will meet these challenges, seize new opportunities, and continue growing the UIW.”
Following his remarks, attendees received a warm welcome to Piney Point from Union Official Pat Vandegrift and heard the latest updates from the UIW’s Board of Executives, courtesy of Union Official Tom Orzechowski.
Guest speakers for this year’s convention included Brian Schoeneman, SIU Political and Legislative Director, Warren Nelson, Attorney at Law Fisher & Phillips LLP, Steve Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff, Brittanie Potter Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department, and Miguel Taylor Union Service Representative for Union Plus.
The bulk of the convention consisted of reports and resolutions, read by union officials and representatives, detailing the most recent occurrences from each location where the UIW operates. Monte Burgett presented the Great Lakes Region Vice President’s report, Dean Corgey presented the Gulf Coast Regional Vice President’s report. On Day Two, Chad Partridge read the Midwest Region Report, Joe Vicenzo presented the West Coast Regional Vice President report, Joe Soresi presented the East Coast/Atlantic Regional Vice President’s report and the Alaska Fisheries Division report, and Jacqueline Dickenson presented the Caribbean and Central American Regional Vice President’s report.
Karen Horton-Gennette read the National Director’s Report and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski presented his report as well.
On day one, Monte Burgett read the Credentials Committee report, Chad Partridge read the Convention Arrangements Report, Adellah Barry read the Constitutional Legal Committee report. Jeremy McFalls read the Auditing Committee report, Javan Douglas read the Resolutions Committee report and Kevin Challenger read the Civil Rights Committee report on day two. John Merchant also read Resolutions 1-10 (broken into segments) on day two.
On both days, attendees saw videos highlighting the various workplaces represented by the UIW interspersed between speakers, including the Queen Mary, Refresco, Armaly Brands, and Alaska fisheries operation. Additionally, they also watched recorded video testimonials from current UIW members, who shared details of their experiences with the union.
After lunch on day one, participants attended a presentation encouraging representatives, members, and union officials to contribute photos and content for the United Worker, our union’s quarterly publication. Afterwards, Union Plus Representatives Kristy Clements, Jessica Norris, and Miguel Taylor led a presentation detailing the benefits available to union members in each region.
On day two, President Heindel and Kristy Clements announced Union Plus raffle results. The two lucky winners received a $100 gift card and a pair of sunglasses.
Nominations for UIW elections followed the raffle announcements. Cynthia Green read David Heindel’s nomination for president, which was promptly seconded by Laura Lopez and summarily accepted with a speech by Heindel himself. Sergio Casteneda, a shop steward from Refresco, read the nomination for Karen Horton-Gennette for National Director. Mitch Levalley seconded the nomination, which Horton-Gennette accepted. Laura Lopez nominated Tom Orzechowski for the office of Secretary-Treasurer, which Green seconded.
Christopher Weaver read nominations for the five regional Vice Presidents’ positions. The current holders of these positions— Joseph Soresi for the Atlantic Region Vice President, Jacqueline Dickenson for the Caribbean and Central American Region Vice President, Monte Burgett for the Great Lakes and Midwest Region Vice President, Dean Corgey for the Gulf Coast Region Vice President and Joe Vincenzo for the West Coast Region Vice President—were nominated to serve again. The nominees for all offices were sworn in and recited a pledge to uphold the duties of their respective offices.
To wrap up the week’s events, all convention attendees who were present on day two gathered in the Media Center and just outside on the lawn for group photos, commemorating the event.
Additional coverage available in the Q3 United Worker.
