The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO that represents workers in the U.S. and Canadian maritime industry and allied trades. It advocates for a robust U.S.-flag merchant marine and shipbuilding base, strong maritime labor standards, worker safety and training, and federal policies that support maritime jobs and national maritime security.
Advocates for maritime industrial policy (Jones Act, cargo preference, Maritime Security Program), U.S. shipbuilding and ship-repair support, federal procurement favoring U.S.-flag vessels, trade and cabotage protections, port and infrastructure investment, maritime workforce training and recruitment, collective bargaining protections, pensions and benefits, and safety and regulatory standards for mariners and dockworkers.
Primarily funded through assessments/dues and contributions from affiliated international unions and support allocations from the AFL-CIO, supplemented by event revenue and grants.
Parent organization AFL-CIO and numerous affiliated maritime and allied unions, including the Seafarers International Union, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA), American Maritime Officers (AMO), International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), Sailors' Union of the Pacific; senior leaders have included MTD President David Heindel.
Labor union department within a national labor federation (AFL-CIO)
