The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) joins the international maritime and labour community in mourning the loss of long-time SIUNA President Michael “Mike” Sacco. President Emeritus Sacco passed on December 28, 2023 in St. Louis surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old.
Michael Sacco was the longest-serving president in the history of the Seafarers’ International Union of North America, having led the Union from 1988 until his recent retirement in February of 2023.
Mr. Sacco was a larger-than-life personality who committed his entire life to improving the standing of maritime workers in the United States and internationally, giving a voice to hundreds of thousands of maritime workers and making significant contributions to the labour movement in North America and abroad. The SIU Canada sends our deepest condolences to Mike’s family and our extended family at the SIUNA. We will all miss our friend and brother Michael Sacco dearly.
“Today is a sad day for the labour movement in North America and around the world, having lost one of our largest voices representing the maritime industry. We are thankful for Mike’s lifelong contribution to our great industry, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
– Michael Given, President, Seafarers’ International Union of Canada
“It’s impossible to articulate exactly how much Mike influenced and contributed to both the American and Canadian SIU. He had that special something that caught your attention and held you captive while he was speaking. The appreciation he had for the industry was outmatched by his genuine love and respect for his membership. As much as Mike had an influence on us all, he also stressed the importance of being your own leader and forging your own path. I think what made Mike a truly outstanding person was regardless of all his success, all his meetings with Presidents, and even the Queen, his family was always the most important thing to him and what he was most proud of. Our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s wife and family.”
– James Given, President Emeritus, Seafarers’ International Union of Canada
