www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS TRANSITIONS Local 10 Herb Millshonored by Joe Hill legendary labororganizer San Pedro plaquehonors union members Trump backsattackon LETTERS TODISPATCHER Spanish dockers fight to save jobs Spanish dockersfighttosavejobs Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union page 3 8 7 4 2 2

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800. T Team work: together attheGAPworkshopheldinSanFranciscoFebruary. tions Committees(LRCs). before regional Labor Rela- arbitrations andappearances members duringgrievances, will enablethemtorepresent with expertiseandskillsthat The goalwastoprepareteams bers and local union officials. training for70ILWUmem- shop providedextensive Francisco. Thefive-daywork- from February5-10inSan Procedures (GAP)workshop National LaborRelations Act, and overview of key provisions of the research andinvestigative tools,an covered arangeoftopicsincluding officers, attorneysandstaffthat sentations byexperiencedILWU Overview holds grievanceand The workshopbeganwithpre- arbitration training Longshore division ance andArbitration Division held a Griev- he CoastLongshore Local 10memberVanettaHamlinwith34PresidentDavidGonzalezworkingonagroupproject

Education Committee. by theCoastLongshore Division’s Education Committee of threearbitrators. a mockarbitrationinfrontofpanel in amockLRCmeeting,followedby in thedispute.Teamsthenengaged witnesses andidentifyingkeyissues ing past arbitrations, interviewing prepare theircaseincludingresearch- jurisdictional issue.Eachteamhadto with afictionalscenarioinvolving union membersandthenpresented assigned rolesaseitheremployersor were placedingroupsandrandomly from beginningtoend.Participants closely mimickedarealarbitration knowledge inagroupexercisethat ticipants toapplytheirnewskillsand arbitration exercisethatallowedpar- Role-playing to healthandsafetytechnology. tract, plusimportantissuesrelating the CoastLongshoreDivision Con- The workshopwasputtogether The weekculminatedinamock DISPATCHER •March 2017 1 gave metoolsthatIcan take back reported apositiveexperience: “GAP part oftheILWU.” the bestexperience I’ve hadbeinga said. “Thisisinvaluableandbyfar members inLosAngeles,”Wade mation thatIcanusetohelpmany how toaccessavastamountofinfor- nity formetogainknowledgeabout experience. “Thiswasanopportu- said theGAPtrainingwasagreat Positive feedback the job.” jurisdiction anddefendourrightson represent members,protectILWU later on,sothey’rebetterpreparedto will besteppingintothosepositions also educatesemergingleaderswho 13 memberSunshineGarcia.“GAP said EducationCommitteeandLocal more effectivelyandefficiently, information andtoolstodotheirjobs Local 18memberReneWayalso Local 63 member Calvin Wade “GAP helpsgivelocalofficersthe VOL 75,NO3•MARCH2017 continued onpage6

LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER Dear Editor, An apology is in order. When I wrote a report about the Labor Campaign Marching to promote “Medicare for All”: for Single Payer Conference that took place during January in New York (see Local 13 member Floyd the February Dispatcher) I failed to mention the participation of Floyd Byron, Bryan who also serves an active member of Local 13 who also serves on the SCDC, and is a longtime on the ILWU’s South- champion of health care justice. Brother Byron was fully involved with the NY ern California District conference, and his longtime involvement in the struggle to achieve single payer Council, joined the Los health care is recognized and appreciated. Again, my apology to Brother Byron. Angeles “Medicare for In solidarity, All” march on February Rich Austin, Sr. 4th, shown here with his dog Carma and Pensioner fellow activist Betty Madden of the Theatri- Send your letters to the editor to: The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., cal workers union. He San Francisco, CA 94109-6800 or email to [email protected] also assisted Local 26 President Luisa Gratz to help pass the new law protecting work- ers from dangerous indoor heat that was detailed in February’s Dispatcher.

Trump backs attack on union members he new Trump adminis- icies already enacted in many states. enough fees to cover those repre- unions of powers gained under tration announced some On February 1, Wisconsin Governor sentation costs. Strong union shops President Roosevelt, including the disturbing news in Feb- Scott Walker revealed he attended a where everyone is a paying member right to conduct effective pickets and T January 28 meeting with V.P. Pence would be outlawed under the pro- boycotts. The anti-union law became ruary that signaled a growing and former House Speaker Newt Gin- posed law – and replaced with “open popular in the South where segrega- threat to union members. grich in Washington, D.C. Walker shops” where division, disunity and tionists warned that union shops and Support for anti-union law said he advised Pence and Gingrich financial hardship weaken the union civil rights would lead to “race-mixing On February 1, “right-to-work” “how they may take bits and pieces and leave workers with lower pay, and communism.” of what we did” with the union law meager benefits and little say over legislation (H.R. 785) was proposed Criticized by MLK and civil service reform to “apply it at working conditions. in Congress by anti-union Represen- The Rev. Martin Luther King the national level.” Gov. Walker and tatives Joe Wilson of South Carolina Ugly origins of “right-to-work” warned about the danger of “right- other anti-union leaders are advis- and Steve King of Iowa. The term “Right to work” laws were pio- to-work” laws, saying in 1961: “we ing Trump to begin his attacks by “right-to-work” was coined decades neered in 1936 by the Texas-based must guard against being fooled by going after workers in public unions, ago by anti-union business owners. “Christian American Association,” false slogans, such as ‘right to work.’ something the new President already Union members are more likely to a racist outfit funded by Southern It is a law to rob us of our civil pledged to do during his campaign. describe it as “right-to-freeload,” the oilmen and Northern industrialists. rights and job rights. Its purpose “right-to-work-for-less” or “right-to- Divide and conquer A top associate of the group once is to destroy labor unions and the wreck-the-union.” If Trump keeps his promise to explained her hostility toward work- freedom of collective bargaining by Trump quickly supports attack public union members, it may ers by criticizing what President which unions have improved wages Trump quickly announced his explain why the President was also Roosevelt’s wife, Eleanor, had done and working conditions of every- support for the new legislation holding high-profile meetings with to help workers, especially Afri- one. Wherever these laws have been through Presidential Spokesman building trade leaders on January 23, can-Americans, because Roosevelt passed, wages are lower, job oppor- Sean Spicer, who said: “The Presi- and why he met earlier with Teamster stood for a “$15 a week salary for all tunities are fewer and there are no dent believes in ‘right to work.’ He President James Hoffa. Those unions n***** house help, Sundays off, no civil rights.” have sometimes supported anti-union washing, and no cleaning upstairs,” wants…to do what’s in the best inter- The “Southern strategy” candidates who cater to narrow inter- adding, “My n***** maid wouldn’t est for job creators.” Passage of the Civil Rights and ests while ignoring attacks by the dare sit down in the same room with To further emphasize strong sup- Voting Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965 same politicians on the broader work- me unless she sat on the floor at port from the White House, Spicer re-shuffled America’s political deck, ing class and other union members. my feet!” added: “Obviously the Vice President with Southern whites switching their has been a champion of this as well.” How law hurts workers Start in segregated South political loyalty from the Democratic Pence’s involvement “Right to work” laws are Arkansas and Florida were the to Republican Party, while African designed and funded by big business first to pass “right to work” laws in Americans abandoned the Republican The White House didn’t mention to weaken unions. They force unions 1944, followed quickly by Texas and Party of Lincoln and Reconstruction that Vice President Pence has been into an impossible position by mak- other Southern states that totaled 14 to vote predominantly Democratic. quietly working with a team of Trump ing them legally responsible for rep- by 1947 when a Republican majority Segregationist Senator Strom Thur- advisors who are gathering strategy resenting all workers in a shop, while in Congress passed the notorious mond of South Carolina was one of ideas to weaken unions, based on stripping the union’s ability to collect “Taft-Hartley” law that stripped “right-to-work” laws and similar pol- continued on page 6

ILWU TITLED OFFICERS Craig Merrilees Robert McEllrath, President The Dispatcher (ISSN 0012-3765) is published monthly except for a combined December 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, 2012. Postmaster: Send address Editor William E. Adams, Secretary-Treasurer changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800.

2 DISPATCHER • March 2017 Spanish dockers fight to save thousands of good union jobs panish union officials say Union response: strike! the military dictator Francisco Franco, up to 8,000 dockwork- Spain’s government finally capit- a key ally of Adolf Hitler, who held ers could lose their jobs if ulated to the Court in February by power in Spain from the beginning of S WWII until his death in 1975. the country implements a court agreeing to change the law. Dockers order aimed at destroying their responded with plans for a multi-day International solidarity strike at dozens of Spanish ports on As the current showdown esca- nation’s dock labor system. February 20, 22 and 24. Union mem- lated between the union and Span- “We feel cheated,” says Antolín bers said they would work one hour, ish government, solidarity state- Goya, leader of the Spanish Port work- then strike the following hour, and ments of support poured into Spain ers union, Coordinadora. repeat that process for the rest of their from dockworker unions around the shifts during those three days. Demand by European Court world, including a letter of solidarity Solidarity statement: Spanish The European Court of Justice Government backs down addressed to the Spanish government dockers have a well-deserved reputation ruled in 2014 that Spain’s law requiring As the strike deadline approached, by ILWU International President Rob- for organizing creative, militant actions companies to do business exclusively Spain’s government announced it ert McEllrath, declaring: that express their passion for defending with the dockers union was at odds would again delay the proposed “We join the Spanish unions who good union jobs. with “free market” policies adopted by changes and begin talking with the are calling on you to immediately halt the European Union. union – prompting the union to can- the legislative process and get back to High stakes Fines imposed cel the proposed strike, at least for the the negotiating table with the unions IDC Coordinator Jordi Aragunde, who also works on the docks in Bar- Last July, the European Court fined time being. and the employers’ association. As a union representing dockers in the celona, has warned, “The Spanish gov- Spain $16 million for failing to elimi- Militant history United States, affiliated with the ITF ernment seeks to make the dockworker nate laws supporting the dockworkers Spain’s dockworkers have a lengthy (International Transport Workers’ Fed- profession disappear from national union. When the legislation remained and well-deserved reputation for mili- eration), as well as IDC (International ports.” in place, the European Court imposed tancy. Their courage was forged during Dockworkers Council), we act accord- ITF President and Dockers’ Sec- an additional fine of $140 million per more than a century of labor struggles, ing to principles of mutual support tion Chair Paddy Crumlin says the day until the law was changed. including 40 years of fascist rule under and we strongly believe in the power of proposed changes are “beyond belief” international solidarity.” because they would harm thousands of Docker networks unite union members and may violate inter- national labor laws (recognized by the Both global networks that repre- European Union, but never approved sent dockworkers around the world in the U.S.). have mobilized to support their Span- ish brothers and sisters: the Interna- ILWU Vice President (Mainland) tional Dockworkers Council (IDC) Ray Familathe, who also serves as First which was founded in the year 2000 Vice-President of the ITF Dockers Sec- with an initiative from Spanish dock- tion, explained that Spain’s “reform” ers; and the International Transport plan would allow companies to bypass Workers Federation (ITF) Dockers the registered union workforce in favor Section. The two groups met together of hiring personnel from temporary in Spain last year where they signed a agencies. “It would be a major step mutual cooperation pact. backwards for workers,” said Familathe. Joining forces: The IDC’s Jordi Aragunde (left) and ITF President Paddy Crumlin signed a mutual support and cooperation agreement last summer in Barcelona, Spain. Canadian politicians consider plan to privatize public resources and destroy good jobs

anada’s new “Liberal” eral Party, led by Justin Trudeau, is no government is flirting with friend of labor unions and working fam- plans that could threaten ilies. The Liberal Party advocates “free C market” solutions – including the priva- port unions. On January 25, tization of public assets. Such deals are Federal Transportation Minister always lucrative for investors but dan- Marc Garneau tried to downplay gerous for workers. the threat by saying his govern- Sell-off or sell-out? ment was merely “studying” Privatizing ports and airports options to privatize the nation’s would generate billions in one- ports and airports, contained time revenues for the state when the in a document known as “The nation’s valuable public assets are Emerson Report.” sold to private operators. The revenue is appealing to Liberal Party leaders “Don’t believe the news” who inherited six years of budget defi- “Please do not make the assump- Marching for maritime union jobs: ILWU Canada members who cits and $100 billion in debt from the tion that because you hear about it in marched on February 23 in Vancouver included (L-R) Local 502’s Aaron Hoolsema, Conservative Party. But those one-time Rick Hurtubise and Tom Doran; Local 500’s Haley Schmitz; Local 514’s Frank Morena; the papers that this is a done deal,” revenues from a sell-off would create Local 500’s Rino Voci and Antonio Pantusa; Local 502’s Pat Bolen; Local 514’s Frank Garneau said. “It is by no means a Skara and Ian Neely of Local 502. an eternity of pain for the public and done deal. It is just a new government businesses who would pay higher exploring different possibilities.” fees forever when the new capital- hired Credit Suisse to explore priva- Public push back Garneau tried to provide reassur- ist owners impose higher charges to tizing Canada’s major airports. Then The CEO of Vancouver’s public ance by saying the decision to privatize make back their investment costs in November it hired Morgan Stanley Airport Authority was quick to declare public assets would be based on whether plus profits. to study the benefits of privatizing 18 his opposition to the sell-off, calling it would improve “port efficiency.” He Canadian ports. Both firms are hardly it a “bad idea, explaining “the price of Consultants hired also added some spin, saying the priva- objective analysts because they and everything would go up.” The privatization plan is thrill- tization study was initiated by Canada’s their friends stand to benefit directly “If we have a private operator, two ing to Wall Street investors. Last Sep- previous Conservative Party govern- or indirectly if the privatization plan things will happen,” he said. “To make ment. But Canada’s current ruling Lib- tember, the Liberal Party government moves forward. continued on page 7 DISPATCHER • March 2017 3 San Pedro plaque honors legendary labor bard and organizer Joe Hill

Honoring Joe Hill in San Pedro: A plaque honoring labor hero Joe Hill was dedicated at a January 28th ceremony in San Pedro. The bronze artwork was designed by Suzanne Matsumiya, sculpted by Eugene Daub and financed by contribu- Poet laureate: PCPA poet laureate Jerry Brady recited a poem celebrating the tions from members of the Southern California Pensioners Group. life of Joe Hill.

everal hundred people founder Harry Bridges was a member of Michelle and The Mourners to perform gathered at Liberty Plaza in the “Wobblies” during the 1920’s when songs at the event that included “The San Pedro on January 28th he worked as a seaman before settling in Preacher and The Slave,” a satirical S San Francisco. song about religious fundamentalism to celebrate the life of labor orga- that Hill wrote while living in Pedro. Executed in Salt Lake nizer and poet, Joe Hill. Also performed was the folk ballad “Joe After living in San Pedro, Joe Hill Free speech at Liberty Hill Hill” with the lyric, “I dreamed I saw made his way to Salt Lake City and Joe Hill last night.” These and other During the event, a large bronze worked as a miner in Park City. In 1914 songs are among folk songs that have plaque was unveiled at a site directly he was wrongfully convicted in a con- been passed along through the oral behind the official marker for Liberty troversial murder trial for a crime that he tradition, from worker-to-worker, and Hill – site of historic free speech pro- probably didn’t commit. Hill was scape- published in the IWW’s famous “Little tests in the 1920s that challenged goated for being an immigrant, migrant Red Song Book.” California’s “Criminal Syndicalism” worker and organizer for the Wobblies. law designed to stop union organizing Shortly before being executed by a fir- Official recognition that remained on the books until 1968. ing squad, he uttered the now famous Before the Joe Hill plaque was Pulitzer Prize-winning author and phrase: “Don’t mourn, organize!” unveiled, Southern California pen- Andrea Luse, Local 13 pensioner and socialist Upton Sinclair was arrested sioner and poet, Jerry Brady read a member for the San Pedro Bay Honors in the Harbor during a 1923 protest at Liberty Hill poem that he composed about Joe Hill. Historical Society. ILWU Local 13 pensioner and har- while reading the Bill of Rights. Sinclair Thoughtful commentaries were also bor historian, Art Almeida, was a driv- went on to run for Governor of Cali- delivered from Pacific Coast Pension- waterfront workers; the shells repre- ing force behind the plaque honoring fornia in 1934 on a platform similar ers President Greg Mitre, pensioner Art sent seafarers; and the mortar is the Joe Hill. Almeida became interested to Bernie Sanders that pledged to “end Almeida, former ILWU International solidarity than binds labor together.” in the IWW during the 1950’s when poverty in California” which he lost President and current Los Angeles Port he started working on the docks and Dave Arian drew parallels between after being smeared by big business Commissioner Dave Arian, and Profes- learned about Wobbly history from fel- the dark days of the 1920s and the for being a socialist who supported sor Vivian Price from Cal State Domin- low longshore workers. He published prospects of the next four years under unions – including longshoremen. guez Hills. a book several years ago, Wobblies in President Trump. Joe Hill in San Pedro “Joe Hill was a rebel. He was San Pedro, that was based on inter- “The 1920’s were a dark period an activist and I think he and Harry Joe Hill lived on San Pedro’s Beacon views with IWW members Paul Ware with the Red Scare, the Palmer Raids Bridges would have got along mighty Street from 1910-1913 where he worked and Bob Bigelow who recounted their and the Syndicalist Act. But light still fine,” said Mitre. “He changed his on the docks as a longshoreman. While experiences during the 1920s. shined through, and 10 years later, living in Pedro, Joe joined the Industrial name when he came out West because organized labor became a dominant Workers of the World (IWW), a mili- Preserving history he was arrested, convicted and black- force in America,” said Arian. “It was tant industrial union committed to the “Our mission is to preserve his- listed in Chicago for organizing. He the Wobblies who led things in the working class and promoting demo- tory,” said Local 13 pensioner Andrea was a true organizer, he was true labor early days; they were the driving force cratic rank-and-file unions. ILWU co- Luse who is also a member of the San activist and he was a true fighter.” of the early labor movement. The AFL Pedro Bay Historical Society. “We Mitre said that there was an over- didn’t really like the Wobblies. The wanted something to commemorate whelming response from the ILWU IWW believed in fight, fight, fight, the execution of Joe Hill because the pensioners who were asked to help because it was necessary in the early IWW was one of the first industrial fund the plaque. He said $30,000 was days. But even the darkest period of labor unions to organize in California. raised in one week, primarily through the 1920’s turned into a very progres- Joe Hill was a labor bard (poet) who $500 contributions. “We had to turn sive period because workers fought worked his way up and down the coast people away because we raised the back.” Arian said Trump has already as many workers did at that time. Dur- money so quickly,” said Mitre. ignited a movement that could usher ing his time in San Pedro, Hill wrote Art Almedia described how the in a renewal of labor organizing. “This a lot of poetry and songs, and he was present-day memorial site appeared plaque now becomes part of that pro- involved in the IWW movement here. during the 1920s, pointing to the gressive history that we can remind It’s fitting that we recognize role of Joe street where Joe Hill lived, and the America of over and over again,” said Hill and the IWW in the history of jail where Hill spent 30 days for orga- Arian. “This is who we are; this is the organized labor on the waterfront.” nizing workers on the docks. He also real America, not Trump’s America,” Celebrated songs noted that the column marker where The event ended with Jerry Brady Hill composed many melodies that the Liberty Hill historical marker leading the crowd in a rendition of are still performed today as standards of was placed had come originally from Pete Seeger’s classic union song, “Soli- Harbor historian: Local 13 pen- folk and labor music. Folksinger James France where it was used as a wharf darity Forever.” sioner, Art Almeida, with his book, piling made of sand, shell and mortar. Wobblies in San Pedro, which he worked Allen, who also publishes the Random on for many years. Lengths News, was joined by Diane “The sand represents the landside and 4 DISPATCHER • March 2017 ILWU meets with other unions who supported Sanders LWU representatives travelled help keep his vast network of support- to Maryland on February 11- ers – numbering millions – involved 12 to meet with leaders from in progressive, pro-union causes. The I Sanders campaign is calling that effort five other national unions who “Our Revolution,” with Larry Cohen, supported Bernie Sanders for former President of the Communica- President. tion Workers union, serving a chair of ILWU International President Rob- the organization’s Board of Directors. ert McEllrath assigned a delegation to The multi-union event was held attend the event that included Secre- at the Tommy Douglas Conference tary-Treasurer Willie Adams, Local 34 Center – named in honor of the Cana- member and International Executive dian labor advocate and Baptist minis- Board member Sean Farley, and ILWU ter who created Canada’s single-payer Political Director Lindsay McLaughlin. national health care system in the Local 23 President Dean McGrath also 1960’s with support from labor unions. attended, representing his local and a “This was a perfect place to hold large network of Bernie supporters in our meeting where we could think Washington State. about new ideas and approaches,” said “We exchanged some good ideas Dean McGrath. about how we could work together to The ILWU’s International Execu- benefit union members and everyone tive Board will discuss any outcomes who supports workers’ rights,” said for the “Labor for Bernie” meeting Willie Adams. when the body meets in San Francisco Local 34’s Sean Farley added, “This on March 20-21. was just the beginning, and something “The Bernie Sanders campaign put Beyond Bernie: A team of ILWU leaders attended a meeting in early February the ILWU leadership will want to dis- working families front and center and cuss further, but it was a productive with other unions who backed Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primary elections. won more than 13 million votes dur- In the back row: Local 34 member Sean Farley (left) and ILWU Legislative Director meeting.” ing the primary elections – so this is a Lindsay McLaughlin; in the front row: ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer Willie When the Sanders’ Presidential group of people we should probably be Adams (left) and Local 23 President Dean McGrath. campaign ended, Bernie pledged to involved with,” said McEllrath. Three ILWU-endorsed candidates win SoCal Democratic Party delegate seats hree ILWU-endorsed candi- our union to become delegates in the dates in Southern California California Democratic Party,” said have won Delegate seats in Cathy Familathe. She added that can- T didates on the ILWU-supported slate the California Democratic Party. were “pro-Bernie” and will use their Two other ILWU-supported can- delegate positions to press for a pro- didates narrowly lost elections worker platform. that took place on January 7. The Assembly District Election Among the winners were Local 63 Meetings are held every two years. Business Agent Cathy Familathe who Each District elects seven women and also serves as President of the South- seven men to serve as delegates from ern California District Council, Irene their Assembly District to the state Huerta who serves as Secretary to Party. Delegates are responsible for ILWU Local 13 President and is mem- planning and attending informational ber of OPEIU Local 537, and Shannon meetings throughout the region and Ross, wife of ILWU Local 94 member working with other delegates to rep- Marcel Ross. resent their community. They vote at Local 13 members Jerry Avila and regional meetings and the California Vivian Malauulu did well but both Democratic Party Convention. lost their bids. All candidates were “I think it’s important for union endorsed by ILWU Locals 13, 63, 94 members to get involved in politics,” and the Southern California District Huerta said “Especially with all that Council. Malauulu was elected as to is going on right now, it is important the Long Beach Community College that workers have a voice in shaping District Board of Trustees in 2016. the agenda for the Democratic Party.” “This is historic, because it may Huerta was first elected as an Assembly be the first time that the ILWU has Delegate in 2015 and has been encour- endorsed candidates and friends of aging other union members to do same.

DISPATCHER • March 2017 5 Trump backs attack on union members forced busing, states’ rights and all Supreme Court decisions that stuff…” The Supreme Court has the power This is how the term “right-to- to change federal labor laws. With work” became one of the many racist one unfilled vacancy that President code words that white politicians used Obama was prevented from filling, the to communicate bigotry and win elec- Supreme Court deadlocked with 4-4 tions; beginning in the South, and now votes on several cases involving issues throughout much of the country. related to “right-to-work,” including Behind the campaigns the ability of unions to collect repre- sentation fees. If Trump nominates a Big business is still financing conservative anti-union member to the today’s campaigns to pass “right-to- Supreme Court, the new anti-union work” laws, just as they have since majority could change national labor 1936. Some of the work is being done laws without passing any legislation. by the National Right To Work Com- mittee and the American Legislative Promises or betrayal? Exchange Council (ALEC), both of Many promises were made by pol- which have been passing laws in state iticians during the election, claiming legislatures with help from the Koch they wanted to help America’s working Women’s March: ILWU and IBU members from Seattle and Tacoma marched in the January 21st Women’s March to protest the inauguration of Donald Trump. brothers – using the same oil fortune class. The coming months will reveal Protests occurred in every major city in the country. Approximately 4 million people that funded the racist John Birch Soci- how sincere those promises were, and attended the demonstrations nationwide. From left to right are Chuck Alexander ety and other anti-union groups more whether the ones made to the working (Local 52), Dan McKisson (Local 19), Kesa Mueller (Local 19), Scotty Martinez (Local than a half century ago. class will be honored over the demands 19), Leith Jasinowski-Kahl (Local 19), Kathy Dvorak (Local 52), Zachary Pattin (Local 23), Carla de Leon (Local 19, Aux), Teresa Lewis (Local 52), Cosette Hill (Local 19), Majority of states of big business, billionaires and Wall Brian Skiffington (Local 23). Not pictured: Terri Mast, IBU Secretary-Treasurer. Street executives. Those forces have Corporate lobbyists and anti- already taken control of the govern- union politicians have now succeeded ment’s most powerful jobs where continued from page 2 collar votes from whites in the Mid- in passing “right-to-work” laws in a they will make decisions felt by every the first to change his political affiliation west and Northern industrial cities. majority of state legislatures. Ken- worker and family in America. in 1964 – the same year that Republican Nixon’s Chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman tucky joined the list in early January Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater explained: “you have to face the fact and Missouri become the 28th “right- Only way for workers voted against the Civil Rights Act and that the whole problem is really the to-work” state on February 6. Similar “Workers and unions have never lost the 1964 election, boldly campaign- Blacks. The key is to devise a system laws have been enacted in the former gotten anything handed to them on a ing for “states’ rights” to the delight of that recognized this while not appear- industrial union strongholds of Wis- silver platter, because progress only Southern segregationaists. ing to.” Ronald Reagan’s campaign consin and Michigan – states which gets made by pushing the powerful to strategist, Lee Atwater, explained how also account for Donald Trump’s do what’s right,” said ILWU President Racist code words racist appeals had helped conservatives Electoral College victory. Efforts to Robert McEllrath. “That’s the way it’s Richard Nixon won in 1968 with win white votes: pass similar laws in California, Ore- always been, and that’s what we need a “Southern strategy” that used racist “You start out in 1954 by saying, gon and Washington have failed – but to be doing now and in the future.” code language, including talk about “N*****, n*****, n*****.” By 1968 a federal law or court decision could “welfare, less government, violent you can’t say “n*****” — that hurts supersede pro-union laws at the state criminals and “states’ rights” to win you. Backfires. So you say stuff like and local level. white votes in the South – plus blue- Longshore division holds grievance and arbitration training

continued from page 1 Local 19 President Rich Austin, Jr., to help me serve my union better and who has been a member of the Edu- help protect our work,” she said. cation Committee since 2005. “Hope- fully some of the attendees will emerge Planning and follow-up as future leaders in this union, as has The Education Committee planned happened with past workshops and the workshop for months. And after trainings.” the workshop concluded, they met to President McEllrath and other evaluate the training sessions, using titled officers were present for much of feedback from participants and pre- the training. senters. The constructive feedback allows the program to be constantly “We need a lot more members with improved and updated. leadership skills to keep the ILWU strong,” said McEllrath. “This training Future Investment Coast Committeemen Cameron Williams (left) and Frank Ponce De Leon served is a great way to help people get some as arbitrators during the mock arbitration exercise and gave feedback to the “Education is an investment in of those skills to assume leadership participants on the last day of the GAP workshop. the union and our membership,” said roles in our union.”

Studying the contract: Local 13 member Diana Chavez- Feipel researched provisions in the Coast Longshore contract to Closing remarks: ILWU International President Robert McEllrath added his help her team prepare for a mock arbitration experience and insights gained from decades of working on the docks.

6 DISPATCHER • March 2017 IN MEMORIUM Bob White: militant, progressive Canadian

nown for his independent Elected to leadership positions within for, which describes itself as “a new views, militant tactics and the U.S. - based United Auto Workers, kind of union that advocates on behalf progressive outlook that he led a successful break-away effort of all working people – employed or K that created the Canadian Auto Work- favored social justice for all unemployed – across the country.” ers union (CAW) in 1985. White was “Bob was a true unionist who workers, Bob White died on elected President for three terms before spoke what he believed,” said ILWU February 20 at the age of 81. becoming President of the Canadian Canada President Rob Ashcroft, White was mourned by union Labour Congress. “including the principle that workers members across Canada and White was a bitter foe of contract should belong to the union of their hailed as a “giant of the Canadian concessions, the NAFTA Free Trade choice. White honored his word by labor movement.” Agreement and U.S. military expan- seeing that Local 400 members joined White emigrated with his fam- sion. He pushed hard for social service the ILWU’s ranks after a merger could ily from Ireland to Canada at the age funding, while also backing organizing have put them into the Canadian Auto of 13 and went to work in a factory at campaigns and affiliations that helped Workers. This was just one example the age of 15 where he quickly experi- the CAW expand, eventually merg- of Brother White’s integrity that made enced his first strike. Two years later ing with Canada’s Communications, him such an exceptional leader.” he was elected a Steward, and led a Energy and Paperworkers Union in strike of 500 workers at the age of 22. 2013 to form a new union called Uni-

Herb Mills honored by Canadian politicians Local 10 consider plan to privatize public resources and destroy good jobs

continued from page 3 were among the many speakers who their return, the prices will go up and condemned the government’s threat it will no longer be a community-run to privatize transport, allow foreign- airport.” flagged vessels and crews to provide Similar sentiments were offered by port-to-port service within Canada, ILWU Canada President Robert Ash- and other “free market” measures in ton: “This plan deserves a quick and the Emerson Report that could threaten certain death because it will hurt work- an estimated 900,000 Canadian jobs. ers, the public, our province and the ILWU Canada is organizing the coordi- nation. The only real winners would be nated national protests with UNIFOR Wall Street and a handful of wealthy (another progressive union that was Honoring Herb: (From left to right) Local 10 Secretary-Treasurer Derrick investors – while everyone else would formed by a merger of the Canadian Muhammad, Local 10 pensioner Herb Mills and Local 10 President Ed Ferris. pay for their party.” Auto Workers and other unions in To protest the scheme, ILWU Can- 1985) and the Seafarers International addition to many years spent handling ocal 10 members honored ada members participated in a march Union of Canada. Also participating routine duties of contract enforcement their longtime brother and and rally on February 23 that began at were the BC Ferry and Marine Workers and representation. Lpensioner Herb Mills with Vancouver’s Federal Courts and con- Union, the Canadian Merchant Service an Outstanding Service Award Also recognizing Mills at the event cluded in front of Transport Canada. Guild and the International Union of during a ceremony held on was longtime community organizer ILWU Canada President Rob Ash- Operating Engineers. Mike Miller who explained how the two ton and ITF President Paddy Crumlin January 19th at the local’s met as students at U.C. Berkeley where monthly membership meeting in they became deeply involved in Civil San Francisco. Rights and social justice struggles. Mills “We’re honored to be celebrating helped lead an important 1960 protest the many contributions that brother by students at San Francisco City Hall Herb Mills has made to Local 10 and where they supported ILWU and other the working class,” said Local 10 Pres- union members who were being perse- ident Ed Ferris who presented the cuted by the House Un-American Activ- award plaque to Mills. ities Committee in Congress for holding Mills served as Secretary-Trea- radical political views – including the surer of Local 10 in the late 1970’s idea that workers should be entitled to a and early 80’s, where he took a leader- democratic voice on the job and a say in ship role in many important struggles, economic decisions. including early support for the United An effort is underway to preserve Farmworkers Union and opposition the volumes of writing that Herb Mills to arms shipments bound for Chilean produced about the ILWU, workers dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1978. and unions. Local 10 members passed Mills also helped lead the 1971 Long- a motion to support that effort with a shore strike that lasted 134 days, in financial contribution.

Supporting the fight: Paddy Crumlin, President of the International Transport Workers Federation and leader of the Australia’s Maritime Union joined the February 23 protest in Vancouver with Local 500 member Joulene Parent (L) and Michael Parent (R) of Local 514.

DISPATCHER • March 2017 7 A Helping Hand...... when you need it most. That’s what we’re all about. We are the representatives of the ILWU- sponsored recovery programs. We provide professional and confidential assistance to you and your family for al- coholism, drug abuse and other problems— and we’re just a phone call away.

ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION

ADRP—Southern California ADRP—Oregon Tamiko Love 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 Hunny Powell Donnie Schwendeman [email protected] 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. #503 400 North Point Tacoma, WA 98424 San Francisco, CA 94133 (253) 922-8913 (415) 776-8363 ILWU CANADA ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION EAP—British Columbia DARE—Northern California John Felicella Teamsters Assistance Program 3665 Kingsway, Ste 300 Seafarer solidarity in Portland: When the Portland Seafarer’s Mission 300 Pendleton Way Vancouver, BC V5R 5WR requested donations of clothing to help crewmembers stay warm during the winter Oakland, CA 94621 (604) 254-7911 months, members of Locals 5 and 8 responded with generous donations. The two- (510) 562-3600 month effort gathered several pickup loads of donated clothing that was distributed to crewmembers aboard several vessels on the Columbia River. Local 5 Chief Steward Chris Hagen organized donations from the Portland Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines. His work at the center and visits to ships was instrumental in making the project a success. ITF Inspector Martin Larson coordinated the effort as part of his work to assist crewmembers in the region. “The best union-building solidarity we can do is to extend a hand in fellowship,” said Larson, “and the affiliated union brothers who work aboard those vessels this winter truly appreciated the kindness from ILWU members.” This photo was taken on February 3 aboard the vessel “Western Panama” while it was berthed at Portland’s Terminal 4. Pictured are (L-R): Boatsain Nemesio Pamplona and Chief Officer Andres Fajardo. Nemesio’s new green jacket was donated by Local 8 member Joel Hernandez who also serves in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

TRANSITIONS ILWU BOOK & VIDEO ORDER FORM

NEW PENSIONERS: William J. Harris; Arthur J. Dolan; ORDER BY MAIL Local 10: Michael D. Vawter; Michael Henry K. Keliihoomalu; Carmen H. D. Quinton; William B. Sandoval; Laughlin; Melvin E. Haynes; ___ copies of Solidarity Stories @ $17 ea. = $_____ David J. Morrison; Local 13: Peter J. Local 23: Malcolm N. Thompson; Grant; Ruby B. Cruz; Edgar Lopez; Local 24: Eric A. Reutercrona ___ copies of A Spark Is Struck @ $13.50 ea.= $_____ Michael J. Macgilvray; Michael G. (Barbara); Local 34: Phillip J. Cava; Nelson; Local 19: Jack S. Block Jr; Local 40: Philip Pitzer; Local 94: ___ copies of The Legacy of 1934 @ two for $5 = $_____ William L. Brown; Local 23: Douglas Orville L. Dyche;William J. Garcia Woods; Ted L. Guntle; Local 34: (Louise); Elias Gomez Jr; ___ copies of Harry Bridges @ $10 ea.= $_____ Lance W. Hebert; Local 46: Raul Y. DECEASED SURVIVORS: Zavala; Local 52: Cynthia E. Kendall; Local 4: Marie W. Bentaas; ___ copies of ILWU Story @ $5 ea. = $_____ Cheryl M. Miller; Candis C. Scott; Local 8: Maxine Cobbs; Local 10: Local 63: Vicky L. Carreon; Armando Mary L. Randolph; Madonna ___ copies of The Big Strike @ $9.00 ea. = $_____ Fimbres; Joseph A. Bojorquez; Thomas Davenport; Ida M. Greene; Rebecca S. R. Carner; Local 75: Stephen E. Lake; Smith; Mary A. Finley; Evelyn Pride- ___ copies of The Union Makes Us Strong @ $20 ea. = $_____ Local 94: William S. Mosich; Larry Lewis; Local 13: Danica Matulich; Karkkainen; Mark W. Shaffer; Donna Nohea Rickard; Local 19: Gwili ___ copies of The March Inland @ $9 ea.= $_____ M. Wilson; Local 98: Paul H. Wieser; Blufton; Geraldine Kerzic ; ___ copies of Eye of the Storm DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ DECEASED PENSIONERS: Local 21: Doris M. Stennick; Local 23: Ruby V. Maijala; Bernice A. Local 8: Marvin W. Vaughn (Betty); ___ copies of We Are the ILWU VHS @ $5 ea. = $_____ Solomon Kahookele; George E. Rimer; Turner; Local 24: Maudella M. Local 10: Samuel Marks; Jan Asikainen; Carol L. Such; Charlotte M. ___ copies of A Life on the Beam DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ Magdalik; Allen D. Miller; Arnold A. Vammen; Local 34: Erma M. Farrelly; Gridley; Local 13: Roger Gonzales Local 63: Josephine D Ambrosi; Total Enclosed $_____ (Hermila); Raymond W. Barnard; Louie Ruby L. Miller; J. Pacheco (Angela); Ronald Pesusich; 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______

Street Address or PO Box ______

City ______State______Zip______Make check or money order (U.S. Funds) payable to “ILWU” and send to

ILWU Library, 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 Prices include shipping and handling. Please allow at least four weeks for delivery. Shipment to U.S. addresses only

8 DISPATCHER • March 2017