www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS ILWU BOOKS&VIDEO TRANSITIONS 8 line atGeorgia-Pacific Ibu workersholdthe West Coast along ILWU membersjoin repeal Ohioanti-unionbill members joinfightto ILWU California Southern LETTERS TODISPATCHER 2 Historic IslaisCreekCopraCrane moved landside.page7 Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union DISPATCHER 8 5 4 3

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800. from beingharmed. dockworkers inforeignports.ILWU memberstookactioninOctoberandNovembertoprotecteachother –andthepublic Vietnam appeartoberesponsibleforconditionsthatcausedsomerefrigeratedcontainerunitsexplode,killingthree Reefer madnesshitswestcoastports: T overseas ports. that havebeenarrivingfrom refrigerated shippingcontainers sands ofpotentiallyexplosive dard refrigerantwasbeing usedby 2011 thatcounterfeitor substan- have apparentlyknownsince early Company cost-cuttingtoblame? as “reefers.” erated shippingcontainers,known killed byexplosionsinvolvingrefrig- workers inforeignportshadbeen October –butonlyafterthreedock- notified anindustrygroup earlier in at theworld’slargestcarrier,Maersk, the hazardonOctober20.Officials Killings sparkcompanyreport ILWU protects members Experts intheshipping industry The ILWUfirstlearnedabout and thepublicfrom thou- to safeguard dockworkers he ILWU istakingsteps explosive containers and thepublicfrom

two inVietnamandone Brazil. so farbytheexplodingcontainers— that threeworkershavebeen killed in Vietnam...”Thereport noted that units thathadreceivedgasrepairs had “beenlinkedtorefrigeration October 26thatadozenexplosions World CargoNewsreportedon & Brazil Workers killedinVietnam explosions andfire. ruptures, spontaneouscombustion, can apparentlyresultincompressor it comesintocontactwithair.It a mixthatburnsorexplodeswhen the reefer’scompressor,resultingin erant mayreactwithaluminumin What’s causingtheexplosions? of reefers. low-cost maintenanceandservicing vendors inVietnamwhoprovided The storywentpublicafter One theoryisthatthefakerefrig- Companies usingcut-ratemaintenanceandrepaircontractorsin DISPATCHER •November 20111 safe containersleavethedocks.” and workwithustoensure thatonly nal operatorsneedtoputsafetyfirst another personiskilled.Thetermi- removed from circulationbefore ous containersbeidentifiedand we’re insistingthatanydanger- in thecommunity—whichiswhy the docksandpublicprotected wants toseeworkersprotectedon teeman, LealSundet.“Ourunion them,” saidILWUCoastCommit- bustion hazardsjustbylookingat containers mightposedeadlycom- Coast docks. tainers aftertheyarrivedonWest to dowithpotentiallyat-riskcon- but questionsremainedaboutwhat tined atlocationsaroundtheworld, What todowiththecontainers? Vol 69,NO10•November2011 “It’s impossibletoknowwhich Many reeferswerebeingquaran- continued onpage4 LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER

Dear Editor, released so they could go home I recently graduated from college in Ohio and came to Oakland in and pick up their kids. When search of work with the labor movement. When I arrived, the Occupy the women began to cry, the Oakland was just beginning, so I got involved and watched the extremists simply continued their movement develop. I’ve been deeply inspired by the blockade. One protestor on a because it is focused on the economic injustice facing all of us who are bike even mocked these women the “99%.” But several events during the past few weeks – especially the by pretending to wipe away so-called “” and port shut-down – have left me with serious tears with his handkerchief, concerns about the direction that is heading. further insulting the frustrated I attended a meeting with 3,000 people on October 25 where the workers. “general strike” was proposed. Because I come from a union family that’s more problems were caused by small groups of anarchists who broke, been through several large strikes, I expressed concern that the general sprayed graffiti, splattered paint, and started fires in the street. Many strike was unrealistic and couldn’t be organized in a week. I also asked of us condemned these actions to the press, but the extremists seem to why there were no discussions with union leaders, no understanding that be gaining more influence in Oakland – which threatens to destroy our union members can’t strike because it is prohibited in their contracts, and ability to maintain support from the 99% who are concerned about no recognition that non-union workers would be fired for striking. When corporate greed, the need for good jobs, and making the rich pay their these concerns were raised the next day by a young woman at a planning fair share. meeting, her questions were quickly dismissed by a man who said that they I’m only 22 years old, but I’ve read enough history to know that a didn’t need support from union leaders and that most workers in the area relatively small group of extremists can destroy positive movements for would simply join the general strike on their own. change if they are allowed to go unchallenged. The disrespect shown by In the days that followed, I wasn’t sure what to think, especially after some of the Oakland Occupiers toward workers and “middle Americans” several men in ILWU jackets who were introduced to us as ILWU leaders. at the Port is similar to mistakes that were made by radicals in the 1960’s Their speeches emphasized that ILWU members were supporting the and 1970’s who foolishly thought they could transform society without general strike and plan to shut down of the Port of Oakland. winning the support from a majority of working people. Mark Rudd, an but on the day of the general strike, the only ILWU members I saw extremist in the 1960’s who belonged to a destructive group known as were longshore workers leaving the port after their shift. A few truck “The Weathermen,” recently reflected on the damage that he and oth- drivers and longshoremen honked their horns to show solidarity, but ers inflicted a generation ago by using violent tactics, hostile rhetoric and many were irritated that we had stopped traffic and closed the port. As provoking fights with the police. It’s sad to see that Occupy Oakland the evening wore on, it became clear that a lot of things can go wrong seems to be repeating those mistakes which only serve to drive away the when a general strike is called without first securing support from workers working families and other allies who we need in order to honestly say: and unions. “We are the 99%!” Some of the problems were caused by small groups of self-styled I’m glad to see that so many Occupy groups are forming across the radicals who took advantage of the fact that Occupy Oakland had no country. Fortunately, most seem to be avoiding the mistakes that happened elected leaders – and no way to hold extremists accountable. Some of in Oakland. All of us can help by getting involved and encouraging these radicals told us that blockading port workers from going home everyone to stay positive and stick with the 99% - and not allowing our would strike a blow against capitalism. But for most of us, it was horrible movement to be de-railed by extremists. to see longshore workers and the low-paid port truckers held hostage and Ben Master unable to go home. We saw two female truck drivers beg for an hour to be Oakland, CA Send your letters to the editor to: The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800 or email to [email protected] Pensioners Tackle Lack of Diversity/Declining Membership he PCPA convention was a It is downright mind-boggling. With and Democrats continue to rob Medi- huge success. Although the all the attacks being waged on Amer- care, that program is left with fewer turnout was good, more ica’s working class none of us can dollars to reimburse our doctors. T afford the luxury of just standing by, That means the ILWU-PMA Benefits pensioners should have attended. hoping the other person will take up Plans will have to pay higher co-pay- At the PCPA Executive Board the slack. Incredibly, however, that ments and deductibles on our behalf. meeting that preceded the conven- is what is happening. Too many peo- As you know, the Benefits Plans are tion there was discussion relating to ple are retiring and walking away. funded by the PMA employers. The the lack of membership diversity. They had better wake up and take a more the PMA has to pay, the more There is a real concern that people of look around. difficult it will be for our Union to color and women are not joining our Medicare, Medicaid and Social negotiate Maintenance of Benefits for Pension Clubs. The PCPA, just like Security are under attack. Co-pay- actives, dependents, retirees, and sur- the ILWU, is sensitive to that issue. ments and deductibles are going up. viving spouses. We understand there are differences Medicare premiums are too. If we ever lost part of our cover- PCPA President, Rich Austin addresses amongst us and we celebrate the rich We are lucky. We do not have co- age we’d see people riding in from the the 44th Annual PCPA convention heritages that every race, color, creed, payments and deductibles. They, and weeds yelling and screaming that the held in on September 19-21. gender, sexual orientation and nation- our Medicare premiums, are paid by Union did not fight hard enough to ality brings to the ranks of the ILWU. have, and to see to it that future gen- the ILWU-PMA Benefits Plans. We maintain their benefits. They would We urge everyone to join the Pen- erations have no less health care cov- are a rare breed within the working tell those of us who stayed around sion Club in their area. Each of us has erage and benefits than what we enjoy class. We have virtually zero medical to fight the fight that we did not do much to offer, and our participation today. We want to make sure that the expenses. And look at what a enough. They would blame us for is and will continue to be welcomed, union we are passing on to them is prescription costs us…a lousy dollar, their apathy. appreciated and acknowledged. strong and united. We all need to that’s it, just a buck! Every retiree, just like their active suit up and show up! We all have to Overall, and unlike the old timers We retirees get the same health sisters and brothers, has a vested be willing to fight to keep what we’ve who preceded them, newer retirees are care coverage that the actives get. But, interest in doing what we can to keep won over the years. not joining their local Pension Clubs. brothers and sisters, as Republicans what we have, to improve on what we – Rich Austin, PCPA President

DISPATCHER ILWU TITLED OFFICERS Craig Merrilees Robert McEllrath, President The Dispatcher (ISSN 0012-3765) is published monthly except for a combined October issue, for $5.00 a year and $10.00 a year for non-members by the ILWU, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, Communications Director and Managing Editor Ray A. Familathe, Vice President, Mainland CA 94109. Periodical postage paid at San Francisco, CA. The Dispatcher welcomes letters, Roy San Filippo Wesley Furtado, Vice President, Hawaii photos and other submissions to the above address © ILWU, 2011. Postmaster: Send address Editor William E. Adams, Secretary-Treasurer changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800.

2 DISPATCHER • November 2011 Southern California ILWU members join fight to repeal Ohio anti-union bill ver 90 Southern Califor- My group included two other nia union members from brothers from the ILWU. We knocked over 40 unions traveled on over 280 doors and got 99% posi- O tive feedback. Only one person we to Columbus, Ohio to assist in talked to said they would support defeating ballot measure, “Issue Issue 2. You can’t change everyone’s 2,” which would have upheld a mind but those that were on the fence controversial state law restrict- were quickly brought to the side that ing rights supports the middle class. It is not the fault of workers that America is suffer- for public sector workers. The ing huge unemployment rates and the Ten rank and file members of Local 13 and Local 13 Allied Division joined the Los measure was soundly defeated, biggest recession in decades. The poli- Angeles County Federation of Labor on November 2, 2011 for a 5-day get out the vote overturning the controversial ticians need to stop blaming us for the campaign in Columbus Ohio to help defeat the anti-union Senate Bill 5/Issue 2. “This anti-union legislation, SB 5, problems that their friends on Wall was in incredible experience,” said Jeff Linares. “These Ohio union members were so Street created. happy that we came to help. Cops even shook our hands!” In the picture from left passed in Ohio earlier this year. to right; Donovan Russell, Trina McDaniel, Ray Montoya, Frank Toscano, Adam Kava- We knocked on doors and When people asked us why we naugh, Luke Hollingsworth, Jeff Linares, Sal Pardo, Ryan La Pinta, David Magallanes. reminded people to get out and vote on came from California to Ohio to fight Election Day. But more importantly, we Issue 2, we told them that the motto appalling statements that he “wants to er’s door. She thanked him for coming talked about the negative impact that of the ILWU was “An Injury to one is break the backs of unions.” Anyone, to her door and talking to her about Issue 2 would have had—not only for an injury to all.” Had this bill passed no matter what part of America they Issue 2. Once she found out he was Ohio—but also for all workers in Amer- in Ohio, it would have hurt workers live in, is going get the support of the from California, she gave him a huge ica. We explained that voting down nationwide by undermining collective ILWU against people who think they bear hug. That’s why we went to Ohio. Issue 2 would repeal Senate Bill 5, and bargaining rights. We went to Ohio can bully around the working class. Because knocking on doors matters would restore the rights for the public because it is not okay to stand silently One of our union brothers, Ray more than a Koch Brothers polished by while Ohio Gov. Kasich makes Montoya, knocked on a school teach- advertisement. unions of Ohio to collectively bargain. – Luke Hollingsworth November election ILWU endorses Norman results may signal a Solomon in Nor Cal positive shift for unions Congressional Race he results of several key 4 Wisconsin’s working families are elections held on Novem- gearing-up to recall Governor ber 8th indicate that voters Scott Walker, who has been los- T ing favor with voters after push- may be less willing to scapegoat ing an anti-union agenda. Union union members and immigrants and working families tried to recall – and more willing to hold the anti-union legislators last summer. 1% and Wall Street accountable They removed two anti-union for what’s wrong in America. State Senators, but failed to recall a third Senator who was key to 4 Ohio voters overwhelmingly gaining a majority that would rejected a ballot measure by anti- stand with working families. union Governor, John Kasich that would have stripped public employ- Delegations of ILWU members ees of their basic union rights. from Local 13, 63 and 94 in Southern California made separate trips dur- 4 Arizona voters defeated Russel ing this past year to Ohio, Arizona Pearce, the extremist anti-union and Wisconsin. In each case, the goal legislator who promoted his was to show ILWU solidarity for these “papers, please” immigration law important fights – and bring informa- that sparked a nationwide boycott. tion back home to co-workers. From left to right: ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer, Willie Adams; candidate Voters replaced Pearce with a more Norman Solomon; and ILWU International Vice President Ray Familathe. moderate representative. he ILWU endorsed Norman 4 Protecting Social Security with- ILWU Southern California District Solomon for California’s out raising the retirement age or T2nd Congressional District. restricting benefits; Council elects new officers That seat has long been held by 4 Protecting Medicare and moving Representative Lynn Woolsey who toward a “Medicare for all” system he ILWU Southern Califor- dent. Bryan is a longtime member of the for all Americans; SCDC and this is his first position as an will be retiring. The congressional nia District Council (SCDC), 4 Opposing unfair trade agreements officer. He will also serve as Legislative district stretches from the north held its annual election of with countries like Colombia T Committee Chairman for the SCDC. anchorage of the Golden Gate officers in October. The SCDC where human rights are ignored ILWU Local 26 President Luisa Bridge and up the entire 286-mile coordinates political and legisla- and union members are being Gratz continues as Sec.-Treasurer, one California coastline to Crescent assassinated. tive affairs in conjunction with of the many posts she has held within City and the border. 4 Raising taxes on the richest 1% and ILWU locals between Fresno and the SCDC. “We’re supporting Norman Solo- corporations to make sure they pay Volunteers are routinely need to San Diego. mon because he’s the strongest advo- their fair share. help the Council carry out tasks such Cathy Familathe, an ILWU Local cate for working families and the best as phone banking, precinct walking, “Norman Solomon impressed us 63 marine clerk, was selected by dele- qualified to make real change in Wash- leafleting and educational activities. If with his independence and willing- gates to return as SCDC President. She ington,” said ILWU International Sec- you would like to get involved, con- ness to take on the corporate special previously served as head of the Dis- retary-Treasurer Willie Adams. interests who are blocking progress in trict Council between 2006 and 2008. tact the SCDC at 310-521-8796. If you would like to become a delegate to the Adams says Solomon was the only ,” said Adams. Longshoreman Floyd Bryan of Council, please contact your individual candidate who scored 100% on the key ILWU Local 13 was elected Vice Presi- local for more information. issues, including:

DISPATCHER • November 2011 3 Something’s ILWU members join happening here. IBU President Alan Coté Occupy protests along joined hundreds of other union members at a big march to support Occupy West Coast Portland on October 26th. “The dedication of these rotests have spread rapidly the Occupy general assembly, some- young people is bring- times making up nearly half of the ing new life to the fight in the “” against corporate greed 50-person meetings. movement which began that’s hurting the 99% P ILWU International President of us,” said Cote. In ad- on September 17th in New York Robert McEllrath sent a letter of dition to marching, the City’s . By October solidarity to Occupy Wall Street on IBU donatedWe Ar$100e worth

of cheeseburgersA the to help

L 9th, Occupy protests had taken October 5th. “Most of us are tired of N L

feedI hungry protestors.A N % seeing a handful of the richest corpora- J O place or were ongoing in over U T For OccupyR Seattle, the IBU Y Y R tions and executives behave as though donatedTO a Sani-CanJU por- 95 cities across 82 countries and 99 O IN NE N in over 600 communities in the they’re entitled to live like kings at table toilet to – I Shelp A protes- everyone’s expense,” McEllrath wrote. tors continue the fight. . As of November “Your decision to bring these and other 17, the Meetup page of the issues to corporate America’s doorstep “Occupy Together” website listed is courageous – and involves some risks. We Are We weren’t surprised that some of you A the

Occupy protests in 2,609 cities L N

L

have faced beatings and pepper spray I A worldwide. N % J O U T from overzealous police. Your crusade R Up and down the West Coast, Y Y R to shine a light on the corruption and TO99 JU ILWU members have been participat- O IN injustice that’s infecting Wall Street is NE – IS AN ing in Occupy actions by attending bound to ruffle some feathers.” marches and rallies, donating food and other supplies and participating in the If you have been participating in mass public meetings known as “gen- any of the Occupy protests, please eral assemblies.” In San Pedro, CA send your experiences and photos to ILWU members have been attending [email protected].

Northern California ILWU members march with Occupy Oakland: Bay Area ILWU members joined a march of thousands to protest the clearing of the Occupy encampment in front of Oakland’s City Hal on Oct. 25th. In the photo above from left to right are ILWU Local 6 Secretary Treasurer Fred Pecker, Local 6 members Ron Zampa, Howard Williams, Carey Dall and Local 75 Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Kim.

Longshore leaders visit Occupy Portland. ILWU Longshore Division Safety Committee members took some spare time to tour the Occupy Portland site in October. (L-R) Adrian Diaz of Local 63, Tim Podue of Local 13, President Cameron Williams of Local 19, President Jeff Smith of Local 8, Mickey Main of Local 8, and Pete Favazza of Local 13. ILWU protects members and the public from explosive containers continued from page 1 were unsafe or lacked proper docu- mentation. An area arbitrator issued Companies reject safest solutions four rulings that sided with the com- ILWU officials in Oakland, panies, setting the stage for a hearing California, asked the companies by the Coast Arbitrator. to provide complete transit docu- Coast Arbitrator ruling mentation in order to know which containers had transited Vietnam On November 6, Coast Arbitrator John Kagel ordered four rulings by the Potentially dangerous: Container companies saved money by using cut- during the last year. The goal was to rate contractors in Vietnam to service refrigerator compressors like this one. The Northern California Area Arbitrator remove potentially lethal containers decision led to the deaths of three dockworkers and triggered an expensive global from circulation until more informa- to be held in abeyance, and directed safety problem when compressors began exploding. tion could be obtained and an agree- Northern California employers to ment reached on a safe solution. follow stricter protocols established tainer. If that maintenance and repair identified and set aside in safe areas, by Washington State Area Arbitrator work did not involve that mechanism, according to safety protocols. Failure to disclose sparks action Herald Ugles that required companies but to other unit mechanisms such Compromise to protect workers When terminal operators failed to to provide records for all reefers that as electrical systems or, for example, and the public provide the necessary safety informa- transited Vietnam in 2011. repairs to exterior dents which do not “Arbitration decisions usually tion, work came to a halt at Oakland’s Three days later after a seven-hour implicate the refrigeration mechanism involve compromises,” said ILWU SSA terminal on October 29 and the hearing, the Coast Arbitrator issued a of the reefer unit, the container is not International President Bob McEll- TraPac terminal on October 30. The decision with a definition for at-risk at-risk.” rath, “but this ruling met our main dispute continued as companies reefers: “A reefer container which, in Companies are now providing the goals of protecting workers and the argued over how much information 2011 in Vietnam, at Cat Lai or else- union with transit information for all public. McEllrath credited the victory and transparency they were willing where in that country, had mainte- reefers and are providing maintenance to “everyone on the docks who stood to provide. Companies fired sev- nance and repair work to the mecha- and repair records for any that tran- up for safety and refused to back down eral gangs of Local 10 members who nism of the reefer unit that involves sited Vietnam in 2011. As a result, when lives were at stake and pressure refused to work on containers that refrigerant fluids is an at-risk con- at-risk containers are now being from the companies was intense.” 4 DISPATCHER • November 2011 Ibu workers hold the line at Georgia-Pacific fter months of bat- tling the billionaire AKoch brothers on the warehouse floor, in the streets and at the bargaining table, IBU members have reached an agreement with Koch-owned Georgia-Pacific at the Kelly Point warehouse in Portland. As part of the national corpo- rate attack on working families and unions, Georgia-Pacific made it clear early on they were out to gut the IBU members’ collective bargaining agree- Striking fast and hitting hard: On September 9th, members expressed their objection to the company’s continued ment at Kelly Point— including the unlawful behavior by walking off the job in a “lightning strike.” Every single worker in the warehouse joined the picket line. erosion of health care benefits and the • Several weeks later, the corpo- and returned to work before The Kelly Point workers decided twisting of job rules to permit supervi- rate customers who depend on bosses could react. to settle their contract with the com- sors to fire people much more easily. receiving paper products from the • Soon after, Kelly Point employ- pany in October. They had secured IBU members at Kelly Point Kelly Point warehouse—including ees marched once again on their their pensions, defeated company decided last spring that it was time to COSTCO, Office Depot, Staples, supervisor to demand compensa- proposals to expedite termination of step up and organize a campaign to and Target, and others— were tion for unpaid break time. Their employees and hammered out terms defend their hard-won job protections notified by the union that Georgia- action together forced managers for health care benefits. and benefits: Pacific’s refusal to bargain fairly to eventually comply and offer “We didn’t get everything we were • On June 30th, IBU members coor- could have an unwelcome impact. more break minutes as a remedy. pushing for, but we got more than dinated a joint action with a local • On September 9th, members • In late October, IBU members leaf- we would have without a fight,” said community coalition known as expressed their objection to the Shawn McClary. “And for the first Portland Rising, which brought leted customers at busy COSTCO company’s continued unlawful stores in Hawai’i and Portland, time, we all stood up together and did more than 150 chanting support- behavior by walking off the job in things as a group.” ers to the Kelly Point parking lot, which depend on supplies from a “lightning strike.” Every single the Kelly Point warehouse. Union “We learned a lot,” said Jose brandishing picket signs. At the worker in the warehouse joined Flores. “I think all of us feel stronger same time, IBU members inside members warned consumers the picket line, which was hon- about possible shortages of toilet and better prepared for the battles marched on their supervisor to ored by several truck drivers and ahead.” demand that the company return paper and other Kirkland-brand caused some serious disruption paper products. to the bargaining table and negoti- of shipping schedules. Members ate a fair contract. then quickly ended their action IBU members picket Golden Gate Bridge Board of Directors to demand fair contract n October 28th, The IBU Regional Director and Coalition Golden Gate Bridge La- Chairperson, Marina Secchitano. bor Coalition, composed “In 2004 we agreed to $650,000 in O reductions of our members’ benefits,” of 15 unions that represent Ms. Secchitano explained. “Not satisfied workers on the Golden Gate with our members sacrifice, the District Bridge, Golden Gate Ferry and has demanded more concessions in Golden Gate Transit, held an every contract since. Meanwhile Bridge informational picket outside of District management has negotiated sub- the Golden Gate Bridge District stantial increases in their own salaries and pensions. Our members have run Board of Directors meeting. The out of patience with the gross unfairness coalition, which includes includ- and inequality of this situation.” ing the Inlandboatmen’s Union The Coalition is concerned by (IBU), has been negotiating with the attempts to retroactively cut the the District for seven months to medical benefits of retired employees. achieve a fair contract. “These people devoted their working lives to the District. They are entitled “We are to protest to receive the health care that they the Districts unrelenting and unfair were promised.” Secchitano said. “We demand for major cuts and will not abandon our retired members.” in every contract,” said San Francisco

Americas Cup comes to San Diego with ILWU help: The final leg of the Americas Cup sailboat race will take place on San Francisco during the summer of 2013, but San Diego is hosting a race in November that will train the teams for the final race in two years. “We negotiated to make sure that the race logistics involved ILWU labor,” says Local 29 President Ray Leyba. The San Diego race required moving 120 containers, including some that carried the hi-tech 45-foot catamaran boats that can hit speeds of 35 mph. “It took four shifts for us to unload and it will probably take three to put everything back,” said Leyba. The race sponsors initially wanted longshore workers to donate their time, but that made little sense for an event that’s being funded by the world’s richest corporations who are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on the events. Longshore locals in the San Francisco Bay Area are still working out details with officials from the Port of San Francisco and Americas Cup.

DISPATCHER • November 2011 5 UW Labor Archives preserves workers’ history abor archives are playing a the union’s more delicate and valu- central role in preserving able historical material to make it avail- able online, including the Waterfront working people’s history, L Worker, the important rank and file supporting related research, and bulletin before and during the 1934 educating people about the im- strike, and the charters for the Long- portance of unions in shaping the shoremen’s Union of the Pacific, a political and social landscape in the union that predated the ILWU. US. From its earliest days, the ILWU Last year, the work of the Bridges has understood the power of its Center established the Labor Archives for own history in shaping and inform- Washington State (LAWS) in conjunc- ing its actions and policies. When tion with the Special Collections Division of the Libraries the union was less than a decade old, along with input from labor movement it established a library to preserve leaders and the ILWU. In 2009, both its records and also collect refer- the ILWU International Convention and ence material useful to the union. the Longshore Division Caucus passed IBU Secretary-Treasurer Terri Mast holds a meeting flier from the early 1980s about resolutions in support of a new labor the murder of her husband, Silme Domingo, and fellow activist Gene Viernes. The The union’s commitment to pre- documents are a part of the UW Labor Archives which will celebrate a 20th An- serving its history has also helped it archives at the University of Washington. niversary with the Harry Bridges Center next year. This year’s fundraising event on shape its story, to educate members The Longshore Caucus voted to contrib- Nov. 13 set a new record for donations and attendance – and marks the 3rd year in and the general public about such key ute $150,000 in support of the archives a row they’ve met a $50,000 matching grant set by the ILWU Coast Committee. This topics as the importance of the hiring and many ILWU locals and individual year the center awarded a record number of scholarships to worthy students, includ- ing the first scholarship given in honor of Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes. The hall, industry-wide contracts, and mili- members dug into their pockets to pro- vide additional donations, which helped Center honored Terri Mast with a “Distinguished Supporter Award” for her years of tant solidarity struggles. leadership and help for the Center and Archives. Mast says,”We’ve had great support make the project a reality. The ILWU’s commitment to pre- from many ILWU locals, other unions, and individuals – but we still need contribu- serving labor’s legacy also extends to It’s been over a year since LAWS tions so we’re inviting other ILWU locals to step forward and help if they can.” projects outside its hiring halls and hired fulltime archivist, Conor Casey, offices. This can be seen in the union’s and officially opened its doors. The One of the LAWS’s latest achieve- two courageous reformers who were longstanding relationship with the Uni- archive is a welcome addition to the ments is an online portal to digital murdered in their union hall in 1981 versity of Washington and its role in world of labor history and is of particu- items in its collection. This portal (http:// because of their efforts to rid their Local helping establish the Harry Bridges lar importance to the ILWU. content.lib.washington.edu/lawsweb/ ) 37 of corruption and to build greater Center for Labor Studies and support- The Organizing Committee for the provides an excellent resource for stu- ties between the ILWU and a labor ing the newly opened Labor Archives of Labor Archives of Washington State was dents, union members, and the general movement in the Philippines that was Washington State. filled with labor, academic, and commu- public to access photographs, artwork, engaged in a struggle against the brutal and documents related to Washington dictatorship of . The For nearly 20 years, the Bridges nity leaders. ILWU leaders and affiliates State Labor and beyond. It provides a trial transcripts from the Domingo v. Center has been host to an increasing played a large role in this group, includ- glimpse into nearly 100 years of labor Marcos court case are being digitized array of labor related programs, many ing Holly Hulscher and Conrad Spell history via access to primary resources, and will be added to the digital collec- designed in conjunction with members from Local 23; Terri Mast of the Inland- such as fliers, photographs, and docu- tions portal in the future. of the ILWU and the Puget Sound area boatmen’s Union; Ian Kennedy, pen- ments that come from the collections labor movement. Begun with fund- sioner and former President of Local 52; The archive actively collects his- stored in the University of Washington ing and support from ILWU members former IBU president David Freiboth; torical artifacts and they are available libraries. The portal is an excellent place looking for a lasting tribute to Harry and former ILWU Librarian and Educa- to consult with organizations or indi- to start for those interested in learning Bridges, the Bridges Center’s programs tion Director Gene Vrana—and many viduals interested in donating histori- from the past who cannot make a trip to include scholarships and research sup- now serve on the LAWS advisory board. cal material. One of Casey’s goals is to the university library. port to faculty and students that have This partnership between labor and make collaborative strides with unions helped expand understanding of labor the University of Washington provides LAWS collects a variety of material and individuals to enrich the Pacific history in the Pacific Northwest and LAWS with the credentials to not only and its collections stem from donations Northwest’s labor heritage for future beyond. The Center’s website contains preserve labor history, but to serve a by individuals and organizations within generations. He suggests records man- online resources that represent some of vital role in educating people about the labor movement. The archives con- agement strategies for labor organi- the best Internet sources on the history labor’s historical importance. In a short tain a wealth of records from locals and zations and provides information on of the ILWU, labor, and civil rights, time, the archives has already hosted a labor organizations that document the how they can participate in the Labor with emphasis on the Pacific North- number of events, including the Legacy local, national and international dimen- Archives by donating their records. west. The Center has also worked with of 1934 exhibit produced by the Coast sions of the labor movement with focus He also facilitates workshops through the ILWU Library to digitize some of Longshore Division. on the Pacific Northwest. The Wash- the county labor councils to help orga- ington State Labor Council and various nizations learn the best strategies for county labor councils in Washington preserving their records. The LAWS State have their records stored at LAWS. website hosts a “How to Keep Union Of particular interest to the ILWU, the Records” section with handy guides for archive has the records for the Inland- unions and members of the public to boatemen’s Union and ILWU Local figure out how to manage their records, 1-1, the first ILWU Local chartered in how to donate them, and which records the state of Washington. A number of to retain. Conor recently co-taught a prominent ILWU members and sup- “Basics of Archives” workshop through porters have also donated collections to the Washington State Records Commis- the LAWS, including former Local 23 sion to give people a more detailed over- President Phil Lelli and Revels Cayton view of what to consider when starting from the Marine Cooks and Stewards and managing an archive. Union. The archives also have a signifi- The ILWU’s partnership with the cant collection of oral history interviews Bridges Center and the Labor Archives from participants in labor struggles of Washington State provides a powerful The Men Along the Shore and the throughout the years. tool for locals and individuals to preserve Legacy of 1934 at CCSF Recently, the archives launched a the union’s legacy. The relationship project to digitize the records relating highlights the union’s ongoing commit- City College San Francisco is hosting the ILWU’s exhibit, The Men Along the Shore and the Legacy of 1934 in the Rosenberg Library as part of their Fall 2011-Spring 2012 library to the Inlandboatmen’s Union Region ment to its own history and the history of exhibition series, All Together Now. Alongside the display are original historical artifacts 37 and the United Cannery Work- the labor movement in general. With the on loan from Harvey Schwartz, curator of the ILWU Oral History Collection. ers. These collections will become an brutal attacks that the labor movement The Men Along the Shore and the Legacy of 1934 documents the early history and important part of the existing digi- has seen in recent years, that history can formation of the ILWU through the “Big Strike” of 1934, in which longshore workers tal collections portal. The archive is serve as an important reminder of past along the Pacific Coast banded together to fight unfair hiring practices and poor working also currently processing the records struggles and achievements and a way conditions, achieving a union-controlled hiring hall and a coastwide contract. The strike’s success was won with the support of workers across a variety of industries who walked of Cindy and Silme Domingo and of informing current and future leaders out in a general strike in San Francisco in solidarity with the longshoremen. the records of the Committee for Jus- of the historical importance of a vibrant The exhibit runs through April 1, 2012 at the Louise and Claude Rosenberg, Jr. tice for Domingo and Viernes. Silme labor movement. Library, City College San Francisco, Ocean Campus, 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco. Domingo and Gene Viernes were both – Robin Walker, second generation Filipino-Americans, ILWU Librarian and Archivist

6 DISPATCHER • November 2011 Protecting Social Security and Medicare By John Castanho, Benefits Specialist

ocial Security is one of the largest and most success- Sful social programs in the history of our country and has kept millions of Americans out of poverty. However, this safety net is now in the crosshairs of many politicians. Calls to privatize Social Security or reduce benefits for workers which would have been considered a radical pro- posal just a few years ago are now a part of the mainstream debate in Washington’s current hysteria over budget deficits. I have re- ceived a lot of calls from ILWU Benefits are payable to workers as members concerned about the early as age 62. If a person elects to proposed cuts to Social Security receive benefits prior to full retirement age, then their monthly benefits will and Medicare programs. Because be permanently reduced (unless they Historic Islais Creek Copra Crane moved landside: The Islais so many members were interested qualify for Social Security Disability Creek Copra Crane located at the Port of San Francisco’s Pier 84 was dismantled and in knowing about the history of Insurance benefits). The retirement age moved by a crew of union building trades workers. The move was undertaken in these programs, I have written a for non-reduced benefits is predicated mid-October as an emergency measure by the Port of San Francisco after engineers upon the year in which the person was monitoring the dock on which the crane sat had concerns about the platforms con- very brief overview of them. tinued stability. The nonprofit Fund for Labor Culture & History and the Copra Crane born. For more information regarding Labor Landmark Association (CCLA) have been working to preserve the crane for the Social Security your full retirement age, please refer to past 16 years. ILWU pensioner, Bill Ward, serves as the CCLA’s president and ILWU Social Security is a vital Social safety the annual mailing that is sent to you pensioner, Don Watson, serves as its Secretary Treasurer. net for millions of families. A reduc- from Social Security, contact your local Fundraising is currently underway to restore the historic crane which will include tion in benefits would be a disaster for Social Security office, or visit their web- fabricating new brackets to hold the crane sections together, sandblasting and retired workers who depend on the pro- site at www.socialsecurity.gov. repainting the structure, and installing new piles to serve as a foundation for the gram to keep them out of poverty. Cur- crane in the original location. Medicare and Medicaid rently, over 156 million Americans pay into the Social Security trust fund, and In 1935, President Franklin D. in 2010, it had a $2.6 trillion surplus. Roosevelt wanted national health care In 2009, over $675 billion in benefits provisions to be included in the Social American Radio were paid out, which equals 4.7% of Security Act. However, they were left the nation’s GDP. Today there are 53.9 out because he believed the idea would Association uses million beneficiaries who are collecting be unpopular among the American pub- Social Security benefits, which averages lic. Years later, President Harry Truman out to one in four U.S. households. If took on the fight for national medi- member survey to it were not for these benefits, the rate of cal care, and he tried unsuccessfully to poverty for the elderly would increase include it into his 1948 Fair Deal pro- improve trainings from 9.6% to 45%. It is imperative that gram and the debate of national medical we all do everything we can to ensure care program became narrowed down fter attending the ILWU’s those aged 65 and over. this program stays in place for genera- Leadership, Education tions to come. Finally after nearly two decades of national debate, President Lyndon B. Aand Development In- The widespread lack of income stitute (LEAD) last September, during the Great Depression led to the Johnson signed into law the Social Secu- passage of the Social Security Act of 1935, rity Amendment in 1965. It established Leslie Lincoln, chairwomen of which established four basic programs Medicare, a hospital insurance program American Radio Association’s aimed at providing economic security for people aged 65 and older, and Med- (ARA) Education Committee, de- icaid, a health insurance program for for Americans. These included: old- veloped a survey to obtain feed- age medical insurance; unemployment the poor. Medicare consisted of a basic program of hospital insurance for per- back from members on courses insurance; federal grants for assistance that the ARA could develop for for the aged, the blind, and children; sons aged 65 and older. Medicaid was and federal grants for maternal and established as a supplementary medical future training. This survey child welfare, public health work, and insurance program to aid the poor. was done with the approval of vocational rehabilitation. Several ben- Generally, people aged 65 and the ARA National Council and efits have been added over the years to older who have been legal residents of working through ARA TIME the United States for at least five years the old-age insurance program portion (Technology Institute for Mari- of Social Security, including survivors are eligible for Medicare. Medicare ben- insurance (1939) and disability insur- efits are divided into four parts: Part A time Electronics) in an effort to ance (1956). is Hospital Insurance; Part B is Medical respond to training needs of the All of the benefits of the Social Secu- Insurance; Part C is for Advantage Plan membership. enrollees; and Part D covers prescrip- rity programs are financed through a The survey was well received and tion drugs. Parts A and B were part of system of payroll and self-employment implementation of members’ ideas serve aboard ARA’s contract vessels the original 1965 legislation, with part taxes, known as FICA taxes. Employ- will contribute to the union’s collec- and whose high tech skills are greatly C being added in 1985 (HMO’s), and ees and employers each pay into these tive strength and preserve jurisdiction needed in the maritime industry. Part D was added through the Medi- programs as follows: employees pay over the Global Marine Distress Safety care Prescription Drug, Improvement, Pictured is James Sword, Perma- 4.2% of wages (up to $106,800) for System (GMDSS), maritime communi- and Modernization act of 2003 (enacted nent Radio Electronics Officer serv- Social Security and 1.45% of all wages cations and repair and maintenance of in 2006). People who enroll in Medi- ing aboard the Matson ship, SS MAUI, for Medicare; employers pay 6.2% of bridge electronics. care pay a monthly Part B premium, October 15, 2011. Sword fills out a the employee’s wages (up to $106,800) ARA believes it is essential to con- member’s survey, an idea inspired by for Social Security and 1.45% of the and also pay for any drugs that are not covered by Part D. tinuously upgrade the skills of the the ILWU LEAD Conference in 2010. employee’s wages for Medicare. Master Radio Electronic Officers who – Leslie Lincoln

DISPATCHER • November 2011 7 A Helping Hand...... when you need it most. That’s what we’re all about. We are the representatives of the ILWU-sponsored recov- ery programs. We provide professional and confidential assistance to you and your family for alcoholism, drug abuse and other problems—and we’re just a phone call away ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION ADRP—Southern California ADRP—Oregon Jackie Cummings Brian Harvey 870 West Ninth St. #201 5201 SW Westgate Dr. #207 San Pedro, CA 90731 Portland, OR 97221 (310) 547-9966 (503) 231-4882

ADRP—Northern California ADRP—Washington Norm McLeod Donnie Schwendeman 400 North Point 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. #503 Local 26 Secretary-Treasurer AJ Wright retires: On October 15th San Francisco, CA 94133 Tacoma, WA 98424 ILWU Local 26 Secretary-Treasurer, AJ Wright, was honored for his 43-year membership (415) 776-8363 (253) 922-8913 and his decades of service. He served in many capacities in Local 26 over the years—as Chief Steward, Executive Board member, Trustee, Business Agent and Secretary- Treasurer. Pictured in the photo from left to right are: Ed Calleros, ILWU Local 26 Vice ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION ILWU CANADA President; ILWU Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams; ILWU Local 26 President Luisa Gratz; DARE—Northern California EAP—British Columbia Retiring ILWU Local 26 Secretary Treasurer AJ Wright; ILWU International Vice President Ray Familathe. In addition to recognition from Local 26 and the International officers, Teamsters Assistance Program John Felicella Wright also received honorable recognition from Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and 300 Pendleton Way 3665 Kingsway, Ste 300 Congresswoman Janice Hahn for his years of service to Local 26 and the working class Oakland, CA 94621 Vancouver, BC V5R 5WR of Southern California. (510) 562-3600 (604) 254-7911

TRANSITIONS

NEW PENSIONERS: James Butler; Local 52: Warren L. Local 8: Michael J. Richlick; Local 10: Maurice; Richard H. Paulson (Roxanne Lenuard Turner; Local 13: Edward Wright); Local 63: Dudley H. Hay; Gutierrez; Timothy C. Wimbish; David Michael N. Kelly (Carolyn); Billy J. L. Alvarado; Arthur J. Dolan; Cosmo Hurd (Artie); Local 75: Thurman E. Colaruotolo; Albert E. Tossas; David S. Brown; Local 94: Hugo Hagstrom; Scotti; Lorelii Hall; Local 21: Carl D. Eugene A. Harris Ferguson; Local 27: Nicholas L. DECEASED SURVIVORS: Larson; Local 63: William D. Pender; Local 8: Elsa M. Lind; Local 10: Local 75: Albert R. Mccarthy Beatrice C. Roman; Virginia Gomes; DECEASED PENSIONERS: Willie Irving; Nellie Hukill; Lillian Local 10: E. J. Rogers (Mary); Frank Brown; Local 12: Esther Spurgeon; Davis Sr. (Barbara); Charles Neal; Local 13: Dorothy Muro; Molly F. Local 13: Leo Jones; Lloyd Hills; Ernest Samudio; Local 21: Valley Roberts; A. Combs (Christine); John A. Pesich; Local 34: Florence C. Murray; Bonnie Robert E. Costa; William Mikkelsen Evans; Local 52: Marjorie K. Akana; (Julia); Clarence James; Local 23: Agnes K. Westad; Local 54: Donna M. Brian R. Brenno (Sandra); Local 26: Hill; Local 63: Maxine Patalano

ILWU BOOK & VIDEO order form

ORDER BY MAIL ___ copies of Solidarity Stories @ $17 ea. = $______copies of A Spark Is Struck @ $13.50 ea.= $_____ Dr. Martin Luther King memorial opens in Washington: Local ___ copies of The Legacy of 1934 @ two for $5 = $_____ 19 member Tyrone Harvey reports, “On October 15, 2011 I had the honor to be present along in Washington, DC with other union members in a march from the Washington ___ copies of Harry Bridges @ $10 ea.= $_____ Monument to the newly opened monument in the National Mall honoring Reverend Martin Luther King. We all gathered to listen to several speakers from labor talk ___ copies of ILWU Story @ $5 ea. = $_____ about the importance for Congress to pass a jobs bill to get Americans off the ___ copies of The Big Strike @ $9.00 ea. = $_____ unemployment rolls and back to work.“ ___ copies of The Union Makes Us Strong @ $20 ea. = $______copies of The March Inland @ $9 ea.= $______copies of Eye of the Storm DVD @ $5 ea. = $______copies of We Are the ILWU VHS @ $5 ea. = $______copies of A Life on the Beam DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ Total Enclosed $_____ No sales outside the U.S. We regret that U.S. Customs and postal regulations create too great a burden for our staff to maintain book sale service to our members and friends outside the United States.

Name______

In early September , representatives of Mancomunidad de Municipios Garifunas de Street Address or PO Box ______Honduras (MAMUGAG), an organization of Afro-Honduran communities, met with ILWU International Secretary Treasurer Willie Adams, Local 10 President, Richard Mead, City ______State______Zip______Local 6 Secretary-Treasurer Fred Pecker, and Local 75 Secretary-Treasurer, Patrick Kim.

The Garifuna peoples of Honduras are descendants of Central American indigenous Make check or money order (U.S. Funds) payable to “ILWU” and send to peoples and the West Africans. Their culture is a mix of West African and Arawak ILWU Library, 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 and Carib Indigenous Central American peoples. They have been historically oppressed in Honduras and suffer from systematic discrimination and neglect. Their delegation Prices include shipping and handling. to the ILWU was aimed at securing assistance in transporting donations of heavy Please allow at least four weeks for delivery. Shipment to U.S. addresses only equipment that will be used to construct critical infrastructure in their communities.

8 DISPATCHER • November 2011