The 2025 SEATU Convention returned to the traditional in-person format on September 10-11, with SEATU executives, representatives, delegates and guests all gathering to map out pathways for continued growth. In keeping with the convention’s theme, “Strategies for Success,” each speaker offered their respective insight as the union heads into an exciting period of expansion.
The triennial event took place at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
SEATU President David Heindel opened the convention with a solemn reminder that there has been a death in the union family since the last convention: “Right off the bat, I want to acknowledge that there’s one big absence compared to our previous conventions, and of course that’s our late President Mike Sacco. Even though we’re coming up on two years since Mike passed, this is our first SEATU convention without him. I find it very appropriate that we all saw his bronze bust in the lobby and we’re meeting in a state-of-the-art building named in his honor. Mike laid the groundwork for our success and he never let up. I knew him quite well, and I’m confident that while he would appreciate this remembrance, in the next breath he’d tell us all to get on with our work.”
In that spirit, the speakers that followed provided updates on past and present SEATU efforts along with upcoming plans. Those in attendance heard reports from representatives from each region, as well as remarks from SEATU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents Augustin Tellez, Bryan Powell and Todd Brdak, and Assistant Vice President Shane Sterry.
The guest speakers included industry partners from the Cordish Gaming Group, Norwegian Cruise Line America, Penn Gaming and Union Plus, as well as SIU/SEATU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman and MTD Secretary-Treasurer Britannie Potter. Delegates approved ten statements covering topics including workers’ rights, grassroots action, the potential impacts of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and more.
Additionally, those gathered nominated the existing leadership team to be re-elected for another term, with Heindel, Orzechowski, Tellez and Powell all accepting their nominations before being sworn into office.
Additional coverage available in the Q3 Entertainer.
