If you’ve attended a South Bay Labor Council delegates meeting in the last thirty or so years, you have likely met Sam Saiu – the bearded, motorcycle gear-clad Brother with his signature (unlit) cigar, and have heard his sage, and sometimes humorous, commentary on a variety of topics.

If you’ve attended a South Bay Labor Council delegates meeting in the last thirty or so years, you have likely met Sam Saiu – the bearded, motorcycle gear-clad Brother with his signature (unlit) cigar, and have heard his sage, and sometimes humorous, commentary on a variety of topics.

Sam first became a delegate from Machinists Local 504 in 1988 while working for Federal Pacific Electric Company in Milpitas. He went on to work as a full-time business agent for Machinists District 93 (now District 190) in 1990 and served as an SBLC delegate from the district until his retirement in 2012. He is currently a delegate from the Federation of Retired Union Members (FORUM).

When asked about his ongoing Labor Council participation, Sam said “It just seems natural – I’ve been involved in the labor movement and politics for my entire adult life.”

“Given the God-awful turn that our country has taken under Trump, I feel obligated to stay active. As a senior, I am particularly concerned about the survival of Social Security and Medicare,” he added.

In addition to his role with FORUM, Sam’s service to seniors includes participation in the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) and his long-standing advisory board membership with Sourcewise, the area agency on aging. He’s also a member of the Silicon Valley Working Blue Democratic Club.

As an avid motorcyclist, he is a member of a local Harley-owners riding group and he has been a long-time activist with “Hawgs for Dogs” a West Coast fundraising event on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind and Tender Loving Canines.

Sam is a former Marine, serving from 1964-1970 before being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He stays active in the local branch of the American Legion and works on the San Jose Veterans Parade. He also enjoys occasional service as Santa Claus during the holiday season, a role he often played in the Labor Council’s annual Christmas party.

The seventy-nine-year-old grandfather of three may have slowed down, but he’s still going strong, enjoying his ongoing role at the Labor Council.

“It gives us chance to be involved with members of other unions and broadens our sense of solidarity, so we realize that we are not in the fight alone,” Sam explained.