Published by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union

www.ilwu.org VOL 77, NO 11 • DECEMBER 2019

THE INSIDE NEWS

Anchor workers win! 2

Bridges Center scholarships 3

Christmas strike solidarity in Canada 5

Alaska port picket 8

LETTERS TO DISPATCHER 8 Candidates questioned: Former Vice President Joe Biden (right) and former investor Tom Steyer (left) came to talk TRANSITIONS 8 with ILWU leaders in December. Both candidates answered questions, outlined their concerns and proposed solutions to help America’s working families. ILWU Executive Board holds final session with Presidential candidates ormer Vice President Joe the candidate’s unusual background improve public transportation and Biden and retired investor as a hedge-fund CEO who became increase taxes on the wealthy to fund Tom Steyer became the 4th a billionaire before retiring and now public education. F uses his wealth to advocate for pro- and 5th 2020 U.S. Presidential Long-standing ties with unions gressive causes, including climate Steyer has made a point of work- ILWU Feed the Community Day candidates to visit ILWU head- change, fighting the Keystone oil ing with unions, mobilizing his page 4 quarters in San Francisco where pipeline opposed by Native Ameri- group called NextGen America, and both had separate free-ranging cans and ILWU members, and urg- with the California Labor Federa- discussion with members of the ing Congress to hold President tion knocked on millions of doors to Trump accountable for abusing the International Executive Board. increase voting in the last two elec- powers of his office for personal gain Candidates Bernie Sanders and tion cycles. and obstruction of Congress. Elizabeth Warren met with the Exec- “My first partner in everything Steyer began by explaining why utive Board in August, as did Senator I have done is organized labor,” he he chose to run for president. Kamala Harris who dropped-out of said. “My best partner in everything I “For the last ten years, I’ve the race last month. have done has been organized labor been part of coalitions of ordinary “We invited all candidates to talk and unions.” with elected ILWU leaders about the Americans who are taking-on the War on workers issues that matter most to working unchecked power of corporations,” families and union members,” said Steyer said. “The reason I’m running Steyer believes corporate Ameri- International President Willie Adams. for president is simple: I think corpo- can “has a strategy to break the power As he has done with all candidates rations have bought the government. of unions in order to make it easier who visited the ILWU, Adams greeted Until we take the government back, for them to keep all the money, which each with a warm welcome and pro- we are not going to get any of the they’ve been doing for the past 40 vided a short introduction – then progressive policies that every single years. The Republican strategy is to stepped back so they could deliver person in this room wants.” cut taxes for the wealthy, cut educa- their own “stump speech” – 15 to 30 Steyer said he supports afford- tion, cut healthcare, attack organized minutes of carefully crafted remarks able healthcare, quality education, labor, and allow as much pollution as that sounded fresh, passionate and living wages, clean air and a fair vote. they want. personal – despite having delivered “These are rights that every American Political outsider something similar at hundreds of should have,” he said. Steyer said his position as a events in recent months. Adams then Funding progressive initiatives political outsider who came from the opened the deck for questions from Steyer says he has contributed world of finance, is an asset. Board members and officers. over $130 million to fund progressive “I think an outsider who has First up: Tom Steyer ballot initiatives in California, start- been successfully fighting corpora- Tom Steyer chose the morning ing in 2010 with his role in defeating tions for decades, is the person you time slot and received a warm round Prop 23, that would have rolled-back want to take back the government,” of applause after being introduced the state’s global warming law. He also Steyer said, adding that he sup- by President Adams, who explained contributed to initiatives that aimed to continued on page 6 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, DISPATCHER • December 2019 1 Anchor workers ratify their first contract

ne of the nation’s most fa- brewer that now owns Anchor. Work- campaign,” said International Vice communication open so we can deal mous breweries that kicked- ers negotiated their first contract with President (Mainland) Bobby Olvera, Jr. with things down the line.” Ooff the craft-brew revolution, wage increases, better benefits and a “We followed the ILWU advice Anchor workers first contacted now has an ILWU contract. The 65 voice in decision-making. While Sap- to take it slow and steady, “said the ILWU in April 2018. Their inter- workers who create Anchor Steam and poro initially hired anti-union consul- John Ezell, a Brewer at Anchor and nal outreach effort began that June other fine brews began their union tants, workers held their ground and member of the elected Negotiat- and continued with an election on campaign with personal outreach that management chose a more construc- ing Committee. “One of the most March 13, 2019 that was overwhelm- united newer and veteran workers, tive and cooperative path with the important things we did was one- ingly in favor of the union. The first then secured community and political well-organized workforce. on-one conversations that got every- contract negotiating session was held support and made international soli- “Anchor workers took leadership one involved.” That communication on May 23, 2019. Their first contract darity contacts with workers in Japan and responsibility from the beginning and involvement continued through was ratified on December 20 by a and Canada who are also employed and stayed focused throughout their the union vote and contract negotia- vote of 49 to 3. by Sapporo, the legendary Japanese tions. We want to keep those lines of

ILWU Staff Changes

Bridget Wack is the ILWU’s new Researcher. She joined the staff in October and works closely with the Organizing Department to gather and analyze information that will help more workers join the ILWU. Bridget grew up in Boston. After college she worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technol- ogy with a team who researched the importance of good jobs in reducing poverty. Before that she was Research Assistant for education expert Jonathan Kozol, known for his ideas and books about how to improve public schools by addressing racial and economic injustice – and opposing anti- union, private charter schools. “I’m very excited to be part of such a strong, member-driven union,” she said, “and grateful for the opportunity to learn from everyone here!” Ryan Dowling was recently promoted to become the ILWU’s Organizing Director. Before join- Randy C. Vekich ing the staff three years ago as Assistant Organizing Director, Dowling was organizing for 13 years with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). As The Dispatcher was “The International Officers have mapped-out a great plan for organizing – and the response going to press, we learned from local leaders and members has been encouraging,” says Dowling who participated in the first that longtime ILWU leader two Regional Organizing Meetings, held recently in LA and Tacoma. The next will be held in the Randy C. Vekich had passed Columbia River Region on January 27-28. in early December. The Jan- Jon Brier’s new role includes serving as the ILWU’s Assistant Organizing Director. Until uary 2020 issue will include now, Brier has been the Puget Sound’s Lead Organizer. He’ll continue to be based there, but will an obituary honoring his take on new assignments, including efforts to help workers employed in the supply-chain, logis- life and contributions to the tics and transport sectors. ILWU. “Helping ILWU and IBU members organize has been incredibly satisfying,” he says, “and I’m looking forward to helping us move to the next level.” He recently attended the Alaska Long- shore Convention where organizing was a key concern. “Working together is the key,” he says.

ILWU TITLED OFFICERS Craig Merrilees William E. Adams, President The Dispatcher (ISSN 0012-3765) is published monthly except for a combined July/Aug 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 Bobby Olvera, Jr., 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 Edwin Ferris, Secretary-Treasurer changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800.

2 DISPATCHER • December 2019 Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies celebrates new growth and ILWU support at awards banquet ach year the Harry Bridges sity. It was established last year in Center for Labor Studies at honor of Seattle civil rights activist and the University of Washing- ILWU leader, Frank Jenkins, Jr., who E came to Seattle in 1909 as the grand- ton holds an awards banquet in son of a runaway slave, son of a Buffalo Seattle to thank students, faculty, Soldier and Filipino mother. He spent and union members for their con- a half-century on Seattle’s waterfront, tributions to labor research and participated in the 1934 West Coast advocacy. The banquet also honors Maritime Strike and was a founding new scholarship recipients who member of ILWU Local 19. Jenkins was are studying labor history and are a devoted labor activist who advocated passionate about social justice. for equal opportunity decades before the Civil Rights movement gained criti- The Harry Bridges Endowed Chair cal strength in the late 1950’s and 60’s. in Labor Studies was established in The Jenkins Fellowship was intro- 1992, following a grassroots fundrais- duced with a short video (also see this ing campaign by ILWU members and video at www.tinyurl.com/bridges-videos) pensioners to honor their late union featuring Local 19 pensioner James president. Barnett who helped establish the The Center’s Chair is currently held Jenkins Fellowship: Former Local 19 President Herald Ugles (right) con- award and worked closely with the gratulates Jenkins fellowship recipients Alika Bourgette (left) and Paulette Thompson by Kim England, Professor of Geogra- Jenkins family to secure their support. (center). phy. The appointment provides finan- While Barnett never met Jenkins, he “It was also great to meet several freshmen in Labor Studies. Kennedy cial support to faculty members for said the man left an enduring legacy. ILWU pensioners and members at the and Drayton established their award researching and teaching labor studies. “Frank was a legend on the water- awards banquet,” Bourgette said, “so I to promote education and organized During the 27 years since the Chair was front,” said Barnett on the video. “He could see the people who are support- labor, hoping it will provide support established, the position has grown to was a part of a group of great leaders ing me and the people I hope to honor for students from economically disad- include activities at the Labor Archives for the union.” with my work.” vantaged backgrounds. of Washington, launched in 2010. Former Local 19 President Her- The other Jenkins Fellowship recip- Michele Drayton presented the This year’s banquet on Sunday, ald Ugles was also interviewed for the ient, Paulette Thompson, is getting her scholarship to winners Dianna Laguan November 10th was the largest so far – video and praised Jenkins for being doctorate in Education. She’s the grand- and Lilya Garzon-Boyd. Both are recent with more than twenty students receiv- widely respected as a leader who daughter of a longshore worker on the high school graduates who have proven ing scholarships in front of a room showed that “the ILWU was diverse, gulf coast and has been an anti-racist, themselves as activists and change- packed with over 350 supporters. The not just in words but by action.” social justice educator in Seattle public makers committed to social justice and banquet opened with a video intro- schools for over thirty years. workers’ rights. Laguan is the first mem- ducing the Bridges Center, noting the Also appearing in the film was Local ber of her family to attend college and ILWU’s past and ongoing role with the 19 Night Dispatch Manager Jerome “I’m honored to receive an award has been organizing for immigration organization (see it at www.tinyurl.com/ Johnson, who noted that Jenkins didn’t named after such a great man in history,” reform and rights of undocumented bridges-videos). Those interviewed on get “a lot of acknowledgement in the said Thompson, who plans to meet workers. Garzon-Boyd shares the same the video included Local 19 President past, so for him to get it, it’s overdue, more ILWU pensioners in the future passion, having attended actions at the Rich Austin Jr. and ILWU pensioner but it’s here and hopefully people can and learn more about their history. state capitol to lobby legislators for the Gene Vrana – both of whom serve as benefit from the Fellowship.” “Seeing multiple generations of the “Keep Washington Working” bill that advisors on the Harry Bridges Center Ugles congratulated both winners labor movement at the banquet was would protect the civil rights of undoc- Visiting Committee. of the Jenkins Fellowship – Alika Bour- something that really stuck out to me,” umented immigrants. Much of the Center’s recent growth gette and Paulette Thompson – noting she said. “It made me realize how far has been possible thanks to generous that they stood-out among an impres- we’ve come, what it’s taken for us to The Future of Labor Studies contributions from ILWU members sive group of 50 applicants. get here, and how important history is Both new scholarships were made and pensioners. Those efforts include Bourgette is a graduate student at to knowing where we can, and should possible only with ILWU financial two new scholarship awards: the Frank UW’s History Department who will go, in the future.” support. The Jenkins Fellowship was Jenkins Jr. Fellowship in Labor Studies use his first year of funding to buy Kennedy Drayton Scholarship spearheaded by members of the Seattle books and attend conferences to share and the Michele Drayton and Ian Ken- The second new award is the Ken- Pensioners Club and Local 19 mem- his work with other scholars. During nedy Scholarship in Labor Studies. nedy Drayton Scholarship in Labor bers who voted last year to contrib- the second year, he plans to “engage ute $100,000 toward the award. The Frank Jenkins Jr. Fellowship Studies, created by former Local 52 the ILWU and Frank Jenkin’s legacy Coast Longshore Division followed The Jenkins Fellowship provides members Ian Kennedy and Michele directly because part of my project will with an additional $100,000 donation students with a $6,000 grant for two Drayton, both now officers of the focus on longshore workers in Hono- that launched the Jenkins Fellowship. years to explore issues of social and Seattle Pensioners Club. The scholar- lulu who were active when the ILWU The Kennedy Drayton Scholarship was economic justice, equality, and diver- ship provides $5,000 for working-class was founded there.” established thanks to a generous dona- tion from Ian Kennedy and Michelle Drayton that was matched by the Uni- versity of Washington. Legacy scholarships The two new awards join three existing scholarships established by ILWU members: the Gundlach Schol- arship, the Martin and Anne Jugum Scholarship, and the Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes Scholarship. These five scholarships, along with other Bridges Center awards and grants, now provide over $100,000 in labor schol- arships each year. Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes Gray Taylor and Tania Santiago received this year’s Domingo Viernes Scholarship, honoring ILWU activists Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes who The 2019 Bridges Center scholarship award winners. continued on page 8 DISPATCHER • December 2019 3 ILWU’s “feed the community day” marks 22 years of volunteering

Young people power: Among the hundred volunteers who helped Feed the Community this year were dozens of young activists.

ozens of ILWU volunteers A year of preparation The boxes were then lovingly “Tariffs and taxes don’t matter donated long hours dur- The process takes months to plan pushed down a gigantic assembly line. when people are hungry,” said Holi- ing the holidays to help and prepare, then two days to execute. When the first box arrived at the “front day Committee Co-Chair Jose Alvarez, D of the line” about 11am, it received a referring to lower cargo volume on the less-fortunate families enjoy a Each year, Committee volunteers are non-denominational blessing from docks caused by decisions made in the beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. recruited from Locals 13, 63, Auxiliary 8 and the Southern California Pension- clergy members, union officials and White House. The annual “feed the community” ers Group. They begin with fundrais- community leaders. “All that matters to these families event has become a tradition for Harbor ing and try to secure donations from While volunteers worked inside, today is that we can still provide them Area ILWU members This year, there local unions and the Credit Union 1500 families gathered outside in a with a beautiful meal on Thanksgiv- were fewer work opportunities on the beginning in March. By May, the Com- line that stretched around the block ing,” he said. Alvarez, Witkowski and docks at the twin-port complex of Los mittee reaches-out to existing part- for their turn to receive a basket. members of the Holiday Events Com- Angeles/Long Beach, but that didn’t ners and potential new ones to coor- Each family had already filled-out mittee didn’t have much time to rest seem to dampen the volunteer spirit. dinate the food logistics. By the time an application in September, pro- and recover after Thanksgiving. Their “When work on the docks get Thanksgiving week arrives, months of vided by a social service agencies or annual Christmas toy program began tighter, this tradition becomes even work come together on Monday and organizations that serve low-income just a few weeks later. more important,” said Local 13 mem- Tuesday, when the heavy baskets are households. Reporting by Vivian Malauulu ber Katy Witkowski, who co-chairs assembled and delivered. the Holiday Committee with Jose Assembly of the food baskets Alvarez. “We know that when things get slower for us, it gets even harder On Monday, November 25, doz- for everyone else.” ens of volunteers arrived at the ILWU Memorial Hall early in the morning Ten-thousand pounds of food for the “prep” day when 1,500 boxes For more than two decades, the were assembled, padded, and labeled. ILWU has donated thousands of dollars More than 6,000 pounds of beans and and volunteer hours to feed the com- rice were scooped out of large sacks, munity during Thanksgiving. Together then portioned into smaller two-pound with union grocery chains, restaurant bags. Meanwhile, other volunteers suppliers, produce distributors, and unloaded pallets full of stuffing, corn- shipping companies, the volunteers bread, canned corn and green beans. gather more than 25 pallets of food – Dozens more volunteers arrived each weighing up to 500 pounds. Tuesday morning to sort and por- All the different food items are tion fresh produce, including celery, then assembled into “baskets” which onions, lettuce, tomatoes, apples, car- have evolved over the years into large, rots, potatoes, and radishes. The vege- topless cardboard boxes, filled above tables were stored overnight in a refrig- the brim with everything needed for erated container that was donated. The a family of eight to enjoy a complete final addition was a frozen 14-pound Thanksgiving Dinner. turkey added to each box.

It takes a village and a team: The Holiday Committee depends on ILWU friends and family.

4 DISPATCHER • December 2019 Alaska Longshore picket for good jobs

Alaska longshore workers organized a picket line on December 17 at the Port of Homer to protest a cut-rate contractor who ignored local workers and paid substandard wages and benefits to outsiders. The job involved the transfer of sulphur generated at a local refinery onto a vessel, the Iberian Bulker. “We put out a media release and got good local news coverage,” said Alaska Longshore Division President Dennis Young. “Homer and other communities need good-paying jobs for local residents, and we’re leading the fight.” Young was interviewed by radio and print outlets, including the Peninsula Clarion, Homer News and KBBI radio.

Christmas strike solidarity in Canada

LWU members from Local 508 ILWU Local 508 member Brittni sorted toys and other donations. Spon- WFP is refusing to settle the strike. in the town of Chemainus on Paquette helped organize the toy drive. sors joining the ILWU effort included He also noted a recent decline in log Vancouver Island spent some “These guys are heading into their local grocers, a tire repair shop, fire- shipments that is impacting Local 508 I fighters, a café, restaurant and other members, and praised Paquette for of their holiday season support- sixth month. My husband is one of the small businesses. Besides donated toys, organizing the toy drive despite these ing a toy drive to help nearly striking members. I’m part of such a great union and organization at ILWU the effort raised over $2,500 in cash challenges. 3,000 forestry workers who have that I wanted to use our local to get out plus another $1,000 in gift cards. “She’s one of the young workers been on strike since July. These and find a cause to support the com- “I’m hoping to inspire other who have stepped-up to make things striking members of the Steel- munity,” Paquette said. young workers to get involved and see happen and we welcome their help.” workers Union are employed by Paquette received some funding how the community and unions can Local 508 received positive public- Western Forest Products, a prof- from the Local to get the toy drive roll- come together to support each other, ity in the local newspaper for the efforts itable company that is refusing ing. On December 8, Santa Clause and especially in hard times like this,” to help the strikers, and may consider demands for more reasonable the Grinch stood outside the toy drive Paquette said. making the toy drive an annual event shifts to make jobs safer and in a community hall donated by the Local 508 President Brett Hartley in the future. town of Ladysmith. Inside, volunteers says the community is hurting because more family-friendly. DISPATCHER • December 2019 5 Presidential candidates visit ILWU again continued from page 1 gency” on day one – then establish ports congressional term limits and a ‘something like’ the Green New Deal, national ballot initiative system, similar and adopt a justice-based approach to California’s. to the environment by cleaning-up air and water pollution in communities Questions from the Board where it is unsafe to breathe the air and Local 63 OCU President John drink the water.” Fageaux led the questions with one “America is the only country that that was on many minds, asking Steyer, can lead the world in this, and if we “What’s it like to be a billionaire?” don’t, it isn’t going to happen. This also Steyer said he plans to give away at gives us a chance to rebuild the United least half of his wealth to good causes States, and make our country more while he is alive, explaining that he is just, while creating millions of good- using that money to help make Amer- paying union jobs. It’s the biggest chal- ica a better country. lenge in the history of the planet and “There’s a larger question about we have to succeed together.” what we are doing on this earth. I’m Student loan debt Candid conversation: Former Vice President Joe Biden took questions and deeply interested in having a mean- discussed his strategy to win in 2020. ingful life and feeling like I’ve left Local 22’s Dax Koho asked Steyer about the growing problem of college the campsite better than I found it,” ability” – a label he wears proudly that renewable energy program that would student debt. Steyer said, “Banks are he said. is confirmed by polls showing him be funded with tax credits to spur pri- loan sharking a bunch of kids. The ahead of fellow Democrats and beating vate investment. Immigration interest rate on student loans should Trump in a match-up. At the ILWU, Local 34 Board member David be one percent. And students who take Vice President Bobby Olvera, Jr., he emphasized the impressive support Gonzales asked about Steyer’s position a job that serves our country – in the asked Biden what he would do to help he’s attracted from African American on immigration. Steyer said the Trump military, teachers, nurses, social work- the next generation make the world a voters that should help him in South Administration’s policy was rooted in ers— your loan should be forgiven as better place. That question became an Carolina after the dust settles in Iowa racial discrimination and that the prac- part of your pay,” opportunity for Biden to talk about tice of separating children from their and New Hampshire. Biden explains some personal experiences – including parents at the border violates human Criminal justice reform that support by emphasizing his eight the loss of his son Beau to cancer, that rights and international laws that pro- International Vice President Bobby years with President Obama, connec- helped shaped his own priorities for tect people seeking asylum. Olvera, Jr. asked about criminal jus- tions with the civil rights movement the future. “We have a president who, on his tice reform and Steyer said he supports and 36 years of service as Senator for Biden said as a young man, he was very first day of running for office, reforming policing practices, elimi- Delaware, which he said has the 8th influenced by the civil rights movement vilified and attacked Latinos. He’s has nating cash bail, getting rid of man- largest percentage of African Ameri- and decided to leave a fancy law firm in used immigration as a racist attack on datory minimums, and combatting cans in the nation – over 20% – which order to become a public defender. He people of color,” Steyer said. discrimination against formerly incar- is higher than North Carolina and over ended his talk with a rallying cry. cerated people for voting, housing, and three times greater than California. “We’re in a battle for the soul of Support for the Jones Act employment. After establishing his political cred, America,” he concluded, “and you’re Marina Secchitano, President of “The Department of Justice should Biden pivoted to what most wanted to gonna see the U.S. coming back.” the Inlandboatmen’s Union, asked make sure that police officers who mis- hear: his views about working families Steyer if he supported the Jones Act behave, especially in regards to race, and unions. Biden began by citing some Samantha Levens welcomed that protects good union maritime must be corrected, Steyer said.” well-known facts, beginning with the President Willie Adams intro- jobs and whether wind turbines off duced the Board to Samantha Lev- Public option, not Medicare for all decline of union density in the private the California Coast should be cov- sector that was 25% when he was first ens, the newly-hired Inspector for Local 19’s Dan McKisson asked ered by the Jones Act. Steyer said he elected to the Senate in 1972, down the International Transport Workers Steyer about his views on healthcare supported the Jones Act and clean to just above 6% today. He quoted Federation (ITF) who will be working reform. Steyer said health care was energy policies that will create mil- from the National Labor Relations Act, out of the Bay Area. A longtime activ- a right and that he supports a public lions of good-paying jobs. passed by Franklin Roosevelt in 1935, ist and elected leader from the Inland- option along with private health insur- “I’m the person in this race who saying, “it calls on the government to boatmen’s Union (IBU) San Francisco ance, but opposes Medicare for All. first pledged to make climate their actively promote unions – not just legal- Region, Levens has also worked as an number one priority,” Steyer said. “If “Over 160 million Americans have ize them.” And he repeatedly expressed ILWU Organizer. we do it the way I propose, we will cre- negotiated for health insurance. I just support for the latest labor law reform “I’m honored to be working as an ate 4.5 million jobs, and they will be hate telling 160 million people that we bill in Congress, called “Protecting the ITF Inspector and look forward to help good-paying union jobs.” know better than you do about your Right to Organize Act, or PRO-Act.” seafarers organize for their rights and life,” he said. The right to clean air and water Responding to a question from build solidarity between all maritime workers,” they said. Responding to a question by Local Biden arrives Local 30 member Kevin Martz about 26 President Luisa Gratz about whether Former Vice President Joe Biden – the decline of aerospace jobs in the oil companies should be allowed to use current leader of the pack hoping Antelope Valley, Biden said the federal fracking to get more oil, Steyer said, to challenge President Trump – was government has enormous purchasing “Nobody has the right to poison you escorted into the room by President power plus the ability to create jobs and your family so they can make more Adams – and the entrance was telling. and influence investment. He added money. In terms of fracking, if a com- He shook hands and greeted Board that federal contracts should include a pany is poisoning the water and caus- members and guests as if they were old requirement that forces companies to ing cancer, that has to stop.” friends – quickly established rapport obey labor laws or lose their contracts. Gratz also asked Steyer about his with many in the room. Local 34 member David Gonzales plan to defeat Trump. His stump speech was sometimes asked how Biden would make changes at the border and with immigration. “It’s “The Republicans are going to emotional and occasionally brash, but all about family – and family separation run on the economy. The Democratic aimed more often for sincerity and must end,” said Biden. He also pledged nominee has to run on the economy heart-felt conviction. There were also a to provide fair hearings for asylum seek- and I can do that,” Steyer said. “Don- few slips of the tongue – an old Biden ers escaping violence – and said he ald Trump is a total fake. He’s a fake habit that some find endearing and oth- would do more to combat poverty and business person. He played a business ers see as a weakness. He addressed the corruption that contribute to migration. person on a reality TV show, and he’s a flaws by telling a story about him stut- fake as a president in terms of econom- tering as a child and confronting the Biden responded to an inquiry ics, and I’m going to expose that.” neighborhood bullies who taunted him. from Marina Secchitano, President of the Inlandboatmen’s Union, about the International Secretary-Treasurer “I know how to deal with bullies Jones Act, saying he remains a strong Ed Ferris asked Steyer for details about and win,” he says, making an obvious supporter. He then pivoted to the his climate action plan, to which Steyer reference to defeating Donald Trump. need for more good union jobs that pledged to declare a “state of emer- And Biden isn’t shy about promot- Samantha Levens: new ITF Inspec- ing his frontrunner status and “elect- would result from his $100 billion tor for Northern California

6 DISPATCHER • December 2019 Native and African Americans by the There was an update on a pension “founding fathers.” The artist also cre- “reform” bill that would punish current ated many murals celebrating the con- workers to help pay for ailing pension tributions of working people and their plans. The ILWU wants pension ben- struggles to establish labor unions – efits protected for all workers and is including the ILWU. seeking federal funds to help – a policy opposed by the Trump administration. Legislative Report In addition to detailed reports Resolution on Political Action provided from each Board member McLaughlin’s report concluded about developments in their local or with a focus on political action – empha- region, an extensive report on legis- sizing the importance of member partic- lation and political action was pre- ipation and involvement in the fight for sented by Legislative Director Lindsay good jobs, protecting pensions, Social McLaughlin. Recent legislative efforts Security, Medicare, and other concerns include influencing the National for working families. The Board unani- Defense Authorization Act – a mam- mously passed a resolution calling for a moth spending bill. McLaughlin said plan to improve political action at the Warm welcome: President Adams welcomed new Board member John Simpliciano the ILWU was successful in securing local union level. International Presi- from Hawaii. language that allows longshore work- dent Willie Adams announced that ers to work on defense installations Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris had been Organizing Reports union cards and are preparing for the using TWIC credentials. The Pen- assigned to visit local unions and help next steps to organize. International Vice President tagon is objecting and wants further them build a political action program (Mainland) Bobby Olvera, Jr. led a “I expect we’ll have more good background checks, so McLaughlin that includes education, voter registra- series of presentations on the union’s news to share with you at the April will continue working on the issue. tion, and voluntary contributions to the new organizing program that he’s Board meeting,” said Olvera, Jr. The union was also successful in see- ILWU Political Action Fund. overseeing to support and involve all New Board member John ing that the Maritime Committee on “I’m planning to hit the road after parts of the union. Simpliciano Occupational Safety and Health would the holidays to help locals get rolling “We’re developing a comprehen- President Adams administered be treated as a “standing committee” with political action work that’s so sive program with some new and dif- the oath of office to new International which requires regular meetings. The important now,” said Ferris. “We can’t ferent approaches,” said Olvera, Jr., Executive Board member, John Simpli- effort was needed because the Trump allow our jobs and the union’s future who called on several organizing staff to ciano, who was welcomed with a warm administration was preventing the to be dictated by the powerful interests make brief presentations to the Board, round of applause from fellow Board Committee from meeting. Finally, the who control politics now,” he said. including Organizing Director Ryan ILWU successfully stopped efforts to members. John currently works as a Resolution supporting Local 9 Dowling, Assistant Organizing Director temporary Business Agent at the Maui use federal dollars for port automation Finally, the Board unanimously Jon Brier, Bay Area Organizer Agustin Division Office where he helps Local projects. The law will prevent funding passed a resolution carried by Local 22 Ramirez and Researcher Bridget Wack. 142 members. for automation unless it can be shown Each detailed the new work they’re that no jobs would be lost. that calls for the International Union to $93 million jury verdict discussed express support for Local 9 members doing to protect good jobs for existing In other legislative work, the ILWU working at SEATAC Airport who are members and help grow the union. Other action at the Board included helped influence House appropriation trying to negotiate a new contract. Signs of progress include a newly- a briefing and discussion about the language that instructs government negotiated first contract secured by $93 million jury verdict against the grain inspectors to not cross picket The next meeting of the ILWU 65 workers at the Anchor Brewery in ILWU, that was covered in last month’s lines. In another matter, California International Executive Board will San Francisco, where employees orga- Dispatcher. The Board held their dis- Senator Dianne Feinstein wrote a letter take place in April, on a date yet to be nized to win significant pay and benefit cussion in executive session. The expressing concern about dangerous determined. improvements. Another report detailed verdict is the subject of a federal court shipments of cyanide from China that “There’s a good chance the Board an ongoing successful campaign to hearing scheduled for February 14. could arrive at the Port of Oakland will consider endorsing a presidential help 65-110 maritime-related work- Resolution to save historic art for use in gold and silver mines. She candidate at that meeting,” said Interna- ers at the Scripps Institute of Ocean- A resolution submitted by Local requested the Department of Home- tional President Willie Adams. ography/University of California, who 10 passed unanimously, calling on land Security to review that matter prior are in the process of affiliating with the the ILWU to help preserve historic to any shipments arriving from China. ILWU’s Marine Division – the Inland- murals at Washington High School in The potentially lethal material is not Boatmen’s Union (IBU). These Univer- San Francisco that were created by art- properly packaged to protect workers sity employees operate and support a ist Victor Arnautoff in the mid-1930’s. and nearby residents from what could fleet of four scientific research vessels They depict injustices inflicted on become a catastrophe. near San Diego. They’ve already signed

Ian Ruskin films From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks and To Begin the World Over Again: the Life of Thomas Paine now available for download “The words and ideas of Harry Bridges, a truly visionary labor leader, and Thomas Paine, the one truly radical Founding Father, are more relevant and vital today than at any time since they were first spoken. We now have, with the up-coming election, less than a year to do what both men would want us to do: help to educate the public as to the issues in this election, fight all and any suppression of the vote, and encourage everyone to vote! This is why I have created streaming versions of From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks and To Begin the World Over Again: the Life of Thomas Paine that are available for all union members and everyone fighting for social justice, at the special price of $3 each. They both have new introductions and op- tional Spanish sub-titles and closed captioning, because as many people as possible need to hear these stories! I hope that you will download the films and watch them with you families and friends. We all need all the encour- agement that we can get, and I believe that these films, and the words of Bridges and Paine, will encourage you!” – Ian Ruskin

You can purchase these videos for $3 through the following links: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thomaspaine https://vimeo.com/ondemand/harrybridges

DISPATCHER • December 2019 7 Helping hands: Representative and friends of the ILWU Northern California Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Program (ADRP) met on December 2 in San Fran- cisco to learn about new trends and treatment strategies. These rank-and-file ILWU members serve as program Representatives on the job. “Our goal is to be present Local 23 members from Tacoma sent a large delegation to the whenever someone is ready to ask for help,” says Coordinator Hunny Powell. Bridges Center Awards banquet.

Harry Bridges Center for LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER Labor Studies celebrates new growth and ILWU support at awards banquet continued from page 3 work of campus groups including the were murdered in 1981 on orders from University of Washington. Philippine dictator Ferdinand Mar- “The Bridges Center has been a cos. Ligaya Domingo, Silme’s daugh- really important place of support and ter, presented the award, along with a community for me during my time at copy of the book Remembering Silme the UW, so it feels fitting to receive Domingo and Gene Viernes: The Leg- an award named for Jugum,” said Raf- acy of Filipino American Labor Activ- tery. “It was nice to be recognized at ism, published by the University of the banquet for my work and service. I Washington Press in 2012. also know that there are many workers “I’d read a lot about Domingo and activists in less privileged positions and Viernes and was inspired to meet than myself, so I plan to use this fel- Domingo family members at the ban- lowship and my platform to continue quet and humbled to receive this advocating for them,” she said. award.” said Taylor, who’s getting her The Bridges Center is growing Master’s Degree in public health and This year’s banquet also celebrated hopes to help working women. She a year of growth at the Center, with comes from North Carolina, “a state record enrollment in the Labor Studies where labor and union are almost dirty Minor program and more scholarship words, so it was heartening to see how applications than ever. Funding from strong and supportive the labor com- the Washington State Legislature has munity is in Washington,” she said. also helped the center. The Jugum Scholarship is named Associate Director Andrew Hed- for longtime Local 19 leader Martin den says the new funding has allowed “Jug” Jugum and his wife Anne. Both the Center to improve staffing, add new helped establish the Harry Bridges Cen- classes and begin developing an intern- ter for Labor Studies. This year’s quartet ship program for UW students to gain of Jugum award winners were Jasmine Send your letters to the editor to: The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., experience in the labor movement. San Francisco, CA 94109-6800 or email to [email protected] Fernandez, Clara Raftery, Rhiannon For more information about the Rasaretnam, and Oloth Insyxiengmay. Bridges Center, visit the website at Raftery is a leader of United Students labor.uw.edu. Against Sweatshops – a national net-

TRANSITIONS

NEW PENSIONERS: DECEASED PENSIONERS: Happy Holidays Local 8: Richard D. Gilstrap; Gordon Local 8: Lewis J. Lundy Jr.(Violet); from the L. Wescott; William R. Moore; Local 10: Cleo Hudson; Lonnie Reed; Local 10: Meredith N. Suttice; Refugio Salgado (Nohema); Local 13: Local 13: Robert J. Foster; Rolondo Raymond Smart; Harry Weisman; Jack ILWU International Officers A. Harvey; Roger D. Norris; J. Hernandez; Local 23: Tom F. Harman; Christopher A. Reynolds; John E. Local 34: Felix Franklin; William D. and Coast Committeemen Perkins; Ruth A. Andrade; Gomes; Local 52: Kenneth D. Field; Local 18: Laura L. Noteman; William Peck; Local 63: David C. Local 19: Mike R. Hansen; Heredia; Marshall Herrera Jr; Hugh E. Michael S. Wagener, Sr.; Christopher McIntyre; Local 94: John W. Greenwood; G. Moore; Roger H. Wiest; Local 98: Leonard G. Hudson; Local 21: Lynn A. Higgins; Garris L. DECEASED SURVIVOR: Nordquist; Local 23: Kirk D. Gipe; Local 4: Ila L. McCourtney; Local 26: John N. Califano; Local 8: Virgeen F. Piltz; Local 29: Guillermo Luna; Gary T. Local 10: Lucy M. Rocha; Iola Moore; Veldman; Local 34: Kevin Gibbons; Eddy M. Lewis; Local 13: Gloria Racine Fowler; Local 52: David C. Ramirez; Harriett H. Taylor; Marie L. Lewis; Local 63: Ruben D. Becerra; Helm; Local 19: Constance M. Bogert; Glenn S. Katsumata; Maluisa Local 23: Martina M. Foundation; Gregory; Guillermina C. Carrillo; Martina Davis; Local 34: Janice Bernice V. Rios; Janet M. O’Neill; Brown; Local 91: Grace C. Hislop; Local 94: William H. Kirchenschlager; Local 94: Maurine Reynolds;

8 DISPATCHER • December 2019