2007 STEWARD OF THE FOURTH QUARTER

Pietro Vella

 Pietro Vella stands out from the crowd.

The Winter 2007 Steward of the Quarter has stories to tell from both sides of the Atlantic, but from his home country of Italy to his current residence in San Diego, Pietro Vella has always been a strong supporter of union jobs.

“I’ve been in the union for a long time,” he said. “I believe in the union because in Italy about 80 percent of the jobs are protected by a union. It’s the best way to protect your work benefits.”

In Italy, Pietro joined the merchant marines when he was 18 years old. Except for a two-year stint with the navy, he stayed with the merchant marines until he came to America in 1973.

What drew him to the United States?

“My wife,” he said with a laugh. “I met her in Italy and came to the United States to be with her. We’ve been married for 34 years now.”

Loyal to his union

In 1974, Pietro joined the union when he began working for Ghio Seafood. During his 31 years with the company, he was the person many came to for union information.

“I’d go to the union and let them know what’s happening and the workers would come to me to see what was going on with the union,” he said. “[Owner/Manager] Craig Ghio came to me and said, ‘Why don’t you give up on the union?’ I told him exactly why!

“I have a very simple life,” he continued. “I work hard and do what I can, but sometimes I had to go against myself for the union. I would lose promotions because I was an activist and such. I was kind of a black sheep.”

Pietro became a steward two years ago because of his devotion to the union and union benefits.

“I tell people to do honest work and keep faith in the union,” he said. “Yes, there will be good times and there will be bad times, but that’s why the union is there — it’s the only thing we have to protect our benefits and pay.”

When Ghio Seafood decided to continue resisting the union, Pietro went to work for Chesapeake Fish in 2007. Because of his decades of experience, he now holds the title of master butcher.

When Pietro is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his two sons and grandchild. He also enjoys playing bocce and watching soccer.

“I like all kinds of sports,” he said.