Important Notice see page 10

The Dispatcher (ISSN 0012-3765) is published monthly except for a combined July/August issue, for $5.00 a year and Vol. 62, No. 1 95 $10.00 a year for non-members by the ILWU, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109. Periodical postage paid at San January 2004 Francisco, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109. www.ilwu.org

ILWU shows solidarity with grocery workers on the picket line page 3

ONE DAY AT A TIME: George Cobbs retires page 9

Fleming warehouse workers beat odds, get good contract page 6 INSIDE President’s Report: Beat Bush in November ...... p. 2 Washington Report: Bush’s lunatic transportation policy ...... p. 4 California elections ...... p. 5 WSF galley workers continue fight for jobs ...... p. 6 2• January 2004 Inside Line Who shall pay? If there was ever any question that the Bush administration’s eco- Beat Bush in November nomic, social and military policy was anything but a plan to transfer By James Spinosa pass laws taking away our rights to strike and bargain collec- wealth from the poor to the rich, if ILWU International President tively, is that we need friends in high places. And if we are to there was ever any question that In less than 10 months—D-day, Nov. 2, 2004—the future withstand the employers’ continuing onslaught of slanders globalization’s promise of prosperi- ty for the people of the world was of our country and that of the whole world will be decided. If against us, we need to make sure that those who stood up for anything but a lie and a scam, the George W. Bush gets another four years in the White House, if us then remain in a position to help us later. With your contri- last three years have finished off both houses of Congress remain controlled by the bution, the job you save may be your own. (See page 4 for such doubts. Republicans, the labor movement will be facing its biggest cri- details on how to donate to the ILWU Political Action Fund.) Under the policies of George W. Bush, the U.S. government has sis since the McCarthy witch hunts of the 1950s. But money alone is not enough. We need every ILWU gone from its largest surplus in his- The fate of all American working people—union and non- member to become a political activist. First you must be regis- tory to its largest deficit in history union—of working people around the world, of human and civil tered to vote so your voice can be added to the chorus calling in three short years. The ever- rights and of the global environment hang in the balance. for change. increasing tax cuts for the rich leave that debt—and its mounting Fathoming the depths of damage Bush has done in the three But the ILWU, although strong and vocal, is a small union. interest payments—on the backs of years since he lost the election—while knowing he faced So we need each member’s voice to be amplified. That means working taxpayers. As we pay for another race—it’s hard to imagine what he’ll dare to do if he you need to make sure everyone in your family eligible to vote the war in Iraq in money and lives, wins this time and doesn’t ever have to face voters again. is registered, and that all your friends and their families, friends as we pay for the cost of rebuilding Between war, globalization, unemployment and privatiza- and co-workers are registered and understand what is at stake what American bombs destroyed, and as we see how Bush’s pals at tion, working people haven’t faced so grim a reality since the for working people in November. Halliburton, Bechtel and SSA get Great Depression of the 1930s. Back then a desperate working From there we need to fan out to our communities. The millions to do that rebuilding, we class movement, inspired in large part by the West Coast ILWU needs to be visible in our communities, leading and are told there’s no money left for Maritime Strike of 1934 and its victory that established the inspiring by example. You can join these coordinated efforts by healthcare, schools and infrastruc- ture in the U.S. Who is paying for ILWU, stemmed the tide of the corporate greed of the 1920s. It volunteering at your local. Your local officers will help you plug this? brought unions, de- in with the work of the The Bush administration and cent wages and con- ILWU District the Republican Congress just elim- ditions and basic Councils—the politi- inated mandatory time-and-a-half human dignity to cal organizations of pay for overtime for millions of American workers, a legal right workers. It paved the We don’t stand the union in each they have held since 1938. way for employer- region—and the Republican-appointed judges are paid vacations, health area’s Central Labor allowing companies declaring care and pensions— a chance of Councils—the politi- bankruptcy to ditch their union contract obligations to pay pen- all now under attack cal coalition of all AFL- sions and healthcare to millions of by the employers moving forward CIO unions locally. retirees who worked their whole and the Bush admin- On Jan. 20 the lives counting on those agreements. istration. ILWU International High unemployment rates only go down as good-paying manufactur- Once again the on our programs Officers and Coast ing jobs exported to Chinese facto- ILWU is challenged Committeemen con- ries are replaced with low-wage to become a force in vened a meeting of service and retail jobs without ben- turning the labor until Bush is out the officers of our efits. Profits soar, but who pays? movement into the District Councils, our We need look no further than the grocery workers’ strike and leaders of a social Coast Legislative lockout in Southern California for movement. Even if of the way. Action Committee and the latest answer. Even though the the deck seems other political activists three grocery store employers are stacked against us, in the union to map hugely profitable, they are deter- mined to end the United Food and we are not without out and coordinate Commercial Workers union’s hope. This union has faced odds this tough before. our fundraising, campaigning and lobbying efforts. Your union health care program. They have The ILWU’s International Convention last spring decided has a plan and we are moving forward with it. said they are willing to take hun- almost unanimously that beating Bush in November 2004 is the But the ILWU will not be acting alone. We are already dreds of millions of dollars in number one goal of the union. We don’t stand much of a working with the national AFL-CIO to multiply our efforts. While immediate losses from the strike and lockouts because they will save chance of moving forward on our other programs until Bush is we will focus most of our attention on the states where we more in the long run not paying for out of the way. We are already moving on the Convention’s live—California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii—we benefits. When millions of people mandate and are continuing to develop our strategies to stop plan on taking our influence nation-wide. lose their health care coverage, who Bush’s war on workers. In the November 2002 Congressional elections we pio- pays—with their money and lives? But as Dispatcher Assistant First, all members must donate as much as they can to our neered a new program with the AFL-CIO, sending more than 30 Editor Tom Price reports (see page Political Action Fund. It is an unfortunate truth of politics and members to campaign in battleground states, those swing 3) the ILWU and the AFL-CIO are power that money opens doors when our rank-and-file legisla- states where the vote was close and we could help make the doing all they can to spoil the tive activists go to the halls of Congress to lobby for our issues, difference between victory and defeat. Our ILWU political road employers’ plans. Sometimes elections can make be they port security to protect our longshore members, or warriors were an inspiration to union members wherever they a difference in who pays. Califor- cabotage laws to protect our IBU members, or support for the went, galvanizing the campaign and getting out the vote. In nia’s March 2 primary has several domestic sugar industry to protect our sugar workers in Hawaii 2004 we are planning to send at least 100 ILWU activists out initiatives that do just that. As and California or occupational health and safety, Social on the campaign trail. Marcy Rein reports (see page 5), Security or trade agreements that affect all of us, including all We do not know yet who the Democratic candidate for California’s new governator, Ar- nold Schwarzenegger, is slashing American working people. president will be, but any one of the contenders is far better education and social programs to One thing we learned during the 2002 longshore contract than Bush. And if we apply ourselves to the task ahead, we can balance the budget deficit without struggle, when Congressional Republicans were threatening to send him back to Texas in November. seeming to create the new taxes he campaigned against. Instead, he is pushing Proposition 57, a bond measure that will dump the debt— increased by interest charges—into the future. So far the polls show most people understand his solu- ILWU Titled Officers tion to a deficit is a larger deficit. And people are understanding who JAMES SPINOSA pays. If we can turn that majority Published monthly except for a combined July/August issue, for $5.00, $10 non-members, a year by the ILWU, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6898. The Dispatcher President of debtors into a majority of voters, welcomes letters, photos and other submissions to the above address. © ILWU, 2004. we can stop paying for some of it. ROBERT McELLRATH WESLEY FURTADO www.ilwu.org Vice President Vice President —Steve Stallone Steve Stallone Editor Editor WILLIAM E. ADAMS Tom Price Assistant Editor Secretary-Treasurer January 2004 • 3 ILWU rallies to support grocery workers by Tom Price rocery workers in Southern California are feeling the pain Gas their strike/lockout enters its fourth month. While the compa- nies are losing millions of dollars, workers are losing their homes. Without help, they might not be able to hold out much longer. But they are not alone. Unions around the country are rallying to their cause. The AFL-CIO is throw- ing its full weight behind this con- tract fight, as it did with the ILWU longshore contract in 2002 and the Charleston Five struggle the year before. And the ILWU, led by its Southern California locals, has donat- ed and pledged more than $1 million to keep the workers’ families fed and to cover their health insurance. The ILWU’s International Executive Board has declared this struggle a top priority and donated $5,000 to the cause at its Dec. 11-12 meeting. This fight is all about health care and whether workers, even union workers, will have coverage. The gro- cery companies are proposing a plan that within a few years would slash coverage to almost nothing. The Slobodan Dimitrov employers have said publicly they are Striking and locked out grocery workers and their supporters picket at the Garden Grove Vons store Jan. 17. willing to take the losses of a pro- longed strike to reap the savings of not paying for health care. About 71,000 ning of the strike-lockout the Friends only $312 per week. By the end of the and came to the picket line,” she said. members of the United Food and of Labor Project and the HBI mobi- three-year deal, the workers would “He gave me a box of my things from Commercial Workers Union at 859 lized picket line support, bringing pay an average of $95 per week for my office. He told me, speaking for the stores are affected. If the Southern water, fruit and supporters to the family healthcare, according to the corporation, my position no longer California workers go down, the com- line. The HBI also coordinated the union. The health insurance that tra- exists. panies intend to take their attack “adoption” of distressed UFCW mem- ditionally came with the job made the “While I’m watching the devasta- nation wide as grocery store contracts bers, matching them with ILWU difference in workers being able to tion going on around me, what a come up for renewal this year—this members to help them get by while support their families. great uplifting feeling to go to those summer in the Puget Sound area and they are out of work. These prosperous companies— meetings at Locals 63 and 13 to see this fall in Northern California. “I heard about a woman who had over the last five years Safeway’s that they are backing us up,” All Southern California ILWU breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, operating profits were up 47 percent, Callahan said. “I volunteer at HBI, locals are involved in the support and who was about to be evicted,” Albertsons’ was up 101 percent and and it’s great to see somebody happy effort. Longshore Local 13 and Local 63 member Julie Brown said. Ralphs’ was up 143 percent—claim because they have a place to live for marine clerks’ Local 63 covered the “She wasn’t able to walk the picket competition from Wal-Mart makes another month.” grocery workers’ backs with contri- line because of her health. I committed the concessions necessary. That retail Callahan got to see a lot of action butions that will total over $1 million to donate a paycheck. It just happened giant, already the eleventh largest during her work at HBI. A Local 63 at their Jan. 12 membership meet- that her rent was exactly that, $1,265. private employer in the L.A. area, member put 40 people to work Jan. 8 ings. Foremen’s Local 94 voted for a Now we’re fighting together for our plans more stores with low wages and through his convention services busi- voluntary $100 per month per mem- futures and our families’ future. benefits similar to what the grocery ness. They made about $3,500 at the ber contribution that could total “I don’t think this is in any way stores want to impose. But even once Anaheim Convention Center hanging $37,400 per month. Their contribu- charity, because these people are Wal-Mart opens the 40 “super cen- pipe and drape. The ILWU Credit tions will extend beyond the dispute’s holding the line for all of us,” Brown ter” stores it now plans, it would only Union gave $3,000 and adopted a fam- end to help workers recover. Local 13 added. “It could have been us when capture about one percent of the ily. Jan. 8 saw $10,000 in donations. will contribute $25 per member per we were locked out in October 2002. area’s grocery business, compared to More contributions poured in. month for up to six months and Local They are fighting for medical benefits the 60 percent controlled by these big Two Local 13 members put in 63 will give $25 per member per for all of us.” three supermarket companies. $3,000 each. Two members of Local 63 month for the next three months, The UFCW found big trouble Both pro- and anti-union people paid $1,400 on the rent of a single both pending a mail-in vote of the when the employers came to the bar- acknowledge the battle these grocery mother. membership. The Southern Calif. gaining table early last year demand- workers are fighting has enormous Labor is ramping up support for a Pensioners’ Assn. voted at its Jan. 7 ing brutal concessions. These includ- implications for workers everywhere. really big fight. AFL-CIO President membership meeting to adopt ten ed a pay freeze, two-tier wages and a “It is obvious they [the employ- John Sweeney addressed a huge families. Bay Area locals opened their gutting of the healthcare plan. ers] are going for the gold here,” Jack UFCW support rally in Beverley Hills wallets at their Jan. 15 membership About 20,000 workers at Kyser, Senior Vice President and Dec. 16 and AFL-CIO Secretary- meetings. Longshore Local 10 Safeway-owned Vons struck Oct. 11. chief economist for the pro-business Treasurer Richard Trumka is on the chipped in $25,000, clerks’ Local 34 Then Albertsons and Kroger-owned Los Angeles County Economic scene. CalPERS, the massive public gave $5,000 and foremen’s Local 91 Ralphs, the other two companies in Develop-ment Corporation, told the employees’ pension fund, wrote letters gave $1,000. the employers’ bargaining group, San Gabriel Valley Tribune. “It Dec. 17 to the employers saying their The ILWU Coast Committee— locked out 50,000 of their workers appears they are not just looking to $180 million investment in the compa- International President Jim Spinosa, and set up a profit-sharing scheme win the strike, but to break the union nies was not well served by union International Vice President Bob with Safeway to share the costs of the as well.” busting. Hollywood actors, musicians, McEllrath and Coast Committeemen labor dispute that California Attor- ILWU retiree Al Perisho, the Major League Baseball Players Ray Ortiz, Jr. and Joe Wenzl— donat- ney General Bill Lockyer is investi- Recording Secretary of the Pacific Assn. and other unionists have ed the services of the ILWU’s law firm gating as a possible violation of anti- Coast Pensioners Assn. has, with his pledged support. of Leonard, Carder to UFCW locals. trust laws. Ralphs, Albertsons and wife, adopted a UFCW family, a single Other rallies in Northern and Donato hopes the ILWU will set Safeway respectively are the third, mother and her two kids, to help Southern California drew hundreds the standard for other unions. fourth and seventh largest private them through the strike. He sees the of supporters. About 500 UFCW sup- “Local 13 has always been a employers in the five-county Los same decisive battle here, but from a porters picketed one of the busiest leader in the labor movement, and we Angeles area. worker’s perspective. Safeways in San Francisco Jan. 24 for lead by example,” Donato said. The companies released misinfor- “They’re fighting a battle that four hours, reducing business there “That’s what we need to show the mation that they only asked workers other unions will face down the dramatically. Members of more than rest of the unions across the country. to pay $5 to $15 a week for health road,” Perisho said. “The ILWU long- a dozen unions joined the picket, We’re going to start the ball rolling, insurance, a claim the union refutes. shore division fought successfully for including members from ILWU ware- reaching out to these UFCW workers. The actual proposal cuts benefits by maintenance of benefits in 2002, but house Local 6, longshore Local 10, We hope other unions will do the 50 percent and places caps on pre- that’s an exception, not the rule. The marine clerks Local 34 and the same.” scriptions and surgeries. Workers employers picked the next fight with Inlandboatmen’s Union. “We don’t see this as just a fight would have to pick up 50 percent of the grocery workers to destroy their “I’m overwhelmed by what I’ve for the UFCW, but as a fight for all all emergency and major medical benefits. There are other UFCW con- seen, the ILWU and supporters are workers in America,” marine clerks’ expenses. In all, management’s tracts coming up, plus auto and saving us,” Callahan said. “People Local 63 President Joe Gasperov said. demands would shift $1 billion in Teamsters. It’s a real tough struggle, are tired, broke, needing medicine “It’s bigger than just this battle. costs to workers. New hires, under and labor has to get on the bandwag- and groceries, they need a place to People are getting more aware of this the two-tier wage system, would on and help these people.” live, and all of a sudden—they have through the work of the Harry effectively have no insurance at all. UFCW member and picket cap- it. They felt there was nothing else Bridges Institute (HBI) and its Many workers make less than $10 an tain Christine Callahan put in 30 they could do, but the hope is new Adopt-a-Family program.” hour now and three-quarters of the years at the San Pedro Vons. again, the very first day the program Within three days of the begin- workforce are part timers, averaging “My boss walked out of the store started.” 4• January 2004

Bush moons nation’s transportation needs

By Lindsay McLaughlin neck of trucks in and out of the Ports ILWU Legislative Director of Los Angeles/Long Beach. As a con- resident Bush could create hun- sequence of our voices and others, the dreds of thousands of good-pay- bill includes a section on freight inter- Ping jobs by funding the nation’s modal connectors which would make transportation needs while at the freight related highway projects same time dramatically improving designed to relieve congestion eligible the safety of the American people, but to receive federal funds. Bush is on the moon. Additionally, the bill includes a The Bush administration unveil- section regarding projects of national ed its transportation funding plans and regional significance. Under cur- for the next six years May 14, 2003, a rent law, surface transportation pro- plan inadequate to meet the nation’s grams rely primarily on formula capi- transportation needs. The proposal tal apportionments to states. Current would authorize $247 billion over the levels of investment are insufficient next six years, in spite of the fact that to fund high-cost transportation the U.S. Department of Transporta- infrastructure facilities that address tion (DOT) says that the U.S. would critical national economic and trans- have to spend at least $375 billion to portation needs. The Alameda Cor- begin to meet the need. The Bush ridor and highways connecting the administration has given Congress Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach cer- the pathetic excuse that we have no tainly have huge national significance money to meet the transportation given the amount of goods transport- infrastructure that would benefit the ed to the interior of the country from country now and in the future. But, that region. we apparently have enough money to At this point we simply do not go back to the moon. know if Congress will pass a compre- Bush has spent all the nation’s hensive six-year transportation bill reserves on massive tax cuts for the that meets the needs of the nation. wealthy and the occupation of Iraq. Much will depend on how far Those are his priorities—not jobs, not Republicans are willing to go to fight safety and not the welfare of the a Republican administration and its American people. budget priorities. Bush is proposing Why should America address the at least $2 trillion in new future highway and transportation needs of spending on things like Mars and the country? First and foremost, moon explorations, new tax cuts, mis- funding will enhance public safety. sile defense and marriage promotion. Each year 42,000 motorists are killed At the same time, his priority is to cut in the U.S. Nearly a third of all fatal biomedical research, health care, job crashes each year are caused by sub- training, veterans funding and trans- standard road conditions and road- Recently, the House Committee drivers are held accountable when an portation and infrastructure projects. side hazards. Highway fatalities on Transportation and Infrastructure unsafe chassis is discovered by law But we can make a difference in remain the leading cause of death for asked for transportation unions’ enforcement officers on the road, turning things around. Contact the young people. On top of the personal thoughts about the bill, including our despite the fact that they do not con- Chairman and the lead Democrat tragedies of deaths and injuries, the overall view of it and ways to improve trol the equipment. Motor carriers member on the House Transporta- economic cost of these accidents is it. We made several suggestions that and their employees do not have the tion Committee and let them know more than $230 billion per year. would greatly advance the interests of expertise to inspect chassis for we support funding for federal infra- Secondly, highway and transit ILWU members. defects, and more importantly, they structure projects. We insist that the funding creates thousands of good- First, the ILWU supports the are not authorized to perform any bill include a provision to ensure the paying jobs. For every $1 billion bill’s commitment for ferry trans- necessary repairs. This places drivers safety of chassis that are hauled over invested in federal highway and tran- portation. The Transportation Equity in the untenable position of being the road. Tell your Congressional rep- sit spending, 47,500 jobs are created Act allocates up to $125 million for financially responsible for unsafe resentative that the ILWU supports or sustained, according to the Bush the construction of ferry boats and equipment that they ultimately can funding for ferry transportation, par- administration’s own figures. High- ferry terminal facilities. This do nothing about. ticularly for the San Francisco Bay way and transit investments stimu- increased funding has already been So the ILWU requested legislative Area ferries. That will create hun- late economic activity for the nation. allocated among three states: Alaska, language in the bill to require equip- dreds of jobs for ILWU/IBU members. They increase productivity by New Jersey, and Washington. Yet the ment providers to inspect and main- Letters can be sent or faxed to the decreasing time spent on the road, San Francisco Bay Area ferry system tain all intermodal equipment under following offices: and encourage new job-creating currently has the third largest pas- their control, and be held responsible development to occur. More than 64 senger ridership, and has launched an if a chassis fails to meet federal motor The Honorable Don Young percent of the nation’s freight moves initiative to more than double that. carrier safety regulations. In addi- Chairman, on highways, an annual value to the This critical transportation project tion, this language should require the House Transportation Committee economy of more than $5 billion. will greatly help to alleviate bridge DOT to establish a process to remove 2111 Rayburn House Office Building Finally, considering the conges- traffic in the Bay Area. The ILWU violations for to unsafe chassis from Washington, D.C. 20515 tion and highway safety impacts of and other transportation unions have the records of drivers and motor car- 202-225-0425 insufficient investments in trans- asked Young and Oberstar to include riers. portation alone, our economy is losing a set-aside for the San Francisco Bay Lastly, the ILWU testified before The Honorable James Oberstar $300 billion per year because we are Area. a Congressional panel concerning the Ranking Member, not investing the necessary resources Secondly, the ILWU asked the congestion crisis around our nation’s House Transportation Committee to maintain and improve our nation’s sponsors of the legislation to ensure ports. We specifically emphasized the 2365 Rayburn House Office Building transportation systems. We cannot that chassis maintained at the docks crisis in Southern California concern- Washington, D.C. 20515 afford to continue to shortchange are safe to be taken over the road. ing the I-710 freeway and the bottle- 202-225-0699 these systems. To effectively reduce Chassis, special trailers fitted with congestion, to increase mobility, to wheels used to transport shipping truly improve highway safety and to containers, are vital to intermodal The ILWU Political Action Fund achieve continuing long-term increas- transport in the U.S. Global shipping es in productivity and economic companies transport goods to the U.S. The ILWU Political Action Fund has a goal of raising more than growth, we must invest in our in large containers, thousands of $500,000 for the union’s work on the November 2004 elections and for nation’s transportation future. But which are mounted on chassis and contributions to pro-worker candidates’ campaigns. The International we may miss the boat on this initia- hauled by trucks to their final desti- officers and the Coast Committee are asking all members to donate tive, because Bush is going to the nation. Yet these chassis are not suffi- $50 each to the fund. All contributions are voluntary, are not part of moon. ciently inspected for structural or A bi-partisan solution to this mechanical defects, nor are they your union dues or a condition of union membership. You can give problem is being proposed. Rep. Don maintained to federal standards, plac- more or less than the officers suggest—all contributions are valued— Young (R-AK) and Rep. James ing motorists on America’s highways and there are no reprisals for giving less or not participating in the Oberstar (D-MN) have introduced at risk. union’s political activities. Contributions to the ILWU Political Action H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Current law allows chassis own- Fund are not tax deductible. Act: A Legacy for Users. This bill ers—usually steamship lines and would spend $298 billion on highway global shipping companies—to evade Donations may be sent to: projects for the next six years and responsibility for the safety of their ILWU-PAF increase public transit funding $69 equipment and does not penalize 1188 Franklin St., 4th Floor billion over the next six years. The owners for safety problems with their San Francisco, CA 94109 proponents claim the legislation will equipment or for safety violations. Checks should be payable to: ILWU-PAF. create 1.7 million new jobs by 2009. Instead, motor carriers and their January 2004 • 5 CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS Up against the Wal-Mart he world’s largest corpora- and played an active role in the tion wants to make Contra West Coast Water-front Coalition, TCosta County play its way. the employers’ front group during Wal-Mart put an initiative on the the 2002 ILWU Longshore Division March 2 ballot challenging a coun- contract negotiations. ty land use ordinance that could Measure L supporters also cramp its expansion plans. Labor voiced worries about the increased and community activists in this traffic hassles and damage to local suburban San Francisco Bay Area businesses that super-centers could county plan to fight to the last bring. The unincorporated areas of vote. Contra Costa now are open space. “This goes beyond Contra Truckers and shoppers heading to Costa,” County Supervisor John the super-center would crowd local Gioia said. “It’s really about our roads coming off the highways, said democratic system, about our being ACORN’s James Musumici. able to control our own land-use Town after town has watched destiny.” local independent businesses with- Last spring, Gioia and other er and die when super-centers supervisors got wind of Wal-Mart’s open nearby. “We would see the plans to site 40 “super-centers” in small stores, the mercados, all dry California. (A super-center sells up,” said Victor Ornelas of groceries alongside other goods Laborers Local 3. Wal-Mart and and sprawls over much a greater other “big box” retailers claim area than the usual “big-box” they bring sales tax revenue. But store.) They passed an ordinance often communities lose money on June 3, 2003 that excludes super- this type of development, Gioia centers from unincorporated areas said. of the county, by prohibiting stores Costa “the most hotly contested bat- put similar arguments into the ballot “Studies have shown that most of larger than 90,000 square feet from tleground” among the fights against pamphlet, three supervisors took them the sales tax they generate is transfer devoting more than five percent of Wal-Mart raging around the country, to court. Superior Court Judge Steven from the other businesses that go their floor space to non-taxable goods. according to Business Week. (Oct. 6, Austin backed the supervisors, order- under,” Gioia said. And because gro- Dry enough, but Wal-Mart imme- 2003) About 100 communities a year ing one disputed statement stricken cery sales are not taxed, super-centers diately poured more than $100,000 are taking on the giant retailer. and seven others changed in his Dec. often don’t pay enough in sales tax to into paying signature-gatherers to Wal-Mart has been painting itself 19, 2003 ruling. offset their impact on streets, traffic, put the Supervisors’ decision before as the victim of “discrimination” and Some 35 dedicated souls turned air quality. Wal-Mart, which makes the voters. To uphold the ordinance, “union pressure” in direct-mail pieces out Jan. 17 for a precinct walk organ- workers subsidize its low prices and now known as Measure L, Contra sent to county residents under the ized by the Contra Costa County high profits, drains local resources in Costa will have to vote “Yes on L.” name of “Contra Costa Consumers for Central Labor Council. Most belonged other ways as well. The referendum has made Contra Choice.” When its supporters tried to to unions or to ACORN (the Associa- Taxpayers subsidized $20.5 mil- tion of Community Organizations for lion in health care costs for Wal-Mart Reform Now), though the growing employees in California in 2002, Prop 56: Busting budget gridlock coalition backing L also includes local according to research in progress at chapters of the Democratic Party, the U.C. Berkeley’s Institute for Labor epublicans played on California for students at community colleges, ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the and Employment. PBS’ “NOW with voters’ frustration with delayed the California State Universities and League of Women Voters. Bill Moyers” reported the ILE’s find- state budgets to oust Gov. Gray the University of California campuses. The Southern California grocery ings (Dec. 19, 2003) and talked to for- R lockout/strike seemed to be on every- Davis last fall. But with Gov. “The radical Republican minority mer Wal-Mart managers who said Schwarzenegger prepared to termi- refuses to raise revenue,” said Allen one’s mind when they talked about they were expected to tell employees nate social services and fund the state Davenport, SEIU’s Director of their support for Measure L. about public agencies and charities by floating bonds, the likelihood of Government Relations in California. “It’s so important to continue to that could help with health care, food, budget gridlock remains as high as “Because we can’t find new broad- have strong jobs in our community,” clothing and other needs. ever. The Budget Accountability Act, based taxes, this ends up being a fee- said UFCW Local 1179 member “I like Wal-Mart’s roll-back Prop. 56 on the March 2 ballot, for-service government with the fees Kimberly Ellis. “We don’t need to have prices,” said Moe Lockhart of ATU addresses the real reason state budg- paid by those who can least afford a huge corporation like Wal-Mart Local 192. “But I don’t like paying for ets have backed up in 23 out of the last them.” keeping us from lifting ourselves up.” someone’s health care because he 27 years. SEIU, with 95 percent of its Unionized grocery workers earn works at Wal-Mart—and that will Key provisions of Prop. 56 would: members depending in some way on about one-third more and are about take the library, the schoolyard, the • allow the legislature to pass the the state, is playing a key role in the twice as likely to have health insur- after-school activities away from my budget with a 55 percent vote, instead labor-community coalition behind ance as non-union workers, according child,” she said, as the other precinct of the two-thirds now required; Prop. 56. But public response was so to a 2002 study by the Institute for walkers laughed and clapped. • dock legislators’ pay for every positive that the coalition was able to Women’s Policy Research. Wal-Mart day the budget is late. The State gather a million signatures in just 60 makes no secret of its anti-union bent, —Marcy Rein Constitution requires that a budget be days to put it on the ballot, according passed by June 15; to Yes on 56 spokeswoman Robin RM-2: Boosting transit • require the state to set up a Swanson. Backers of the measure “rainy day fund” and put in five per- include several cities, counties and ard work by a new coalition of the other unions in Transit Works— cent of the budget in years when rev- community college districts along transit unions put a measure the Teamsters, SEIU, ATU, TWU and enues exceed expenses. with the California Labor Federation, Hon the March ballot to boost MEBA. Only three states—California, AFL-CIO, the State Building and bus, ferry, and rail service in seven San “This is a new and important Arkansas and Rhode Island—need Construction Trades Council and Francisco Bay Area counties. The labor coalition, because transit work- votes of two-thirds or more to pass numerous civil rights, seniors’ and Inlandboatmen’s Union, many of ers are partnering for the first time to their budgets. The two-thirds require- environmental groups. whose members work on ferries, further their common interests,” said ment holds the state hostage to the The oil, insurance, tobacco and passed a resolution at its October 2003 Marina Secchitano, San Francisco whims of right-wing Republicans. alcohol industries are bankrolling the convention urging passage of RM-2. Bay Regional Director for the IBU “Without this we’re subject to the opposition. The Distilled Spirits The California Labor Federation and and a member of the Water Transit tyranny of the minority,” said Jean Council, State Farm, ChevronTexaco, the labor councils in all seven counties Authority (WTA), the state body Ross, executive director of the Anheuser-Busch and Southern have endorsed it. responsible for ferry planning. California Budget Project, a California Edison had each given RM-2 would raise the toll on five Present plans call for 21 percent of Sacramento policy group. “The major- more than $200,000 to the opposition bridges in the area by $1. Residents in the revenue raised by RM-2 to go to ity isn’t able to govern.” by mid-January, according to state Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San ferry service—an estimated $84 mil- The minority imposes their prior- campaign finance reports. Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and lion. Vallejo-San Francisco service will ities and their hostility to any new Voters will also face two other Solano counties will vote on it March 2. benefit, as will new services in the taxes. budget-related propositions in March, Users of the San Francisco-Oakland WTA 10-year plan passed by the legis- “In the last couple of years, in both backed by Schwarzenegger. Bay Bridge as well as the Richmond- lature last term. The bulk of the order for the Republicans to agree to Prop. 57 would let the state float an San Rafael, Benicia-Martinez, Zampa remaining RM-2 funds will be split the budget they have demanded and “Economic Recovery Bond” worth up (Carquinez) and San Mateo-Hayward between buses and BART (Bay Area received tax breaks for growers and to $15 billion to cover the remaining spans would pay the freight. Rapid Transit). manufacturers that make no econom- 2003-2004 budget deficit. If it passes, Last year the Transit Works coali- Besides supporting stable, long- ic sense except they help their con- taxpayers will be paying it off, with tion successfully lobbied for SB-916, term jobs for transit workers, RM-2 tributors,” said Ken Burt, political interest, for up to 14 years. sponsored by State Sen. Don Perata should ease traffic congestion and director for the California Federation Prop. 58 requires the state to bal- (D-Oakland), which cleared the way smoothe commutes around the Bay of Teachers. ance the budget and establish a for the toll hike to go to the voters. Area. Education, like other social pro- reserve fund of $8 billion. It has to Members of the IBU, ILWU longshore “Ferry workers will be in a world grams, is faring badly under Schwarz- pass for Prop. 57 to take effect. At Local 10 and marine clerks Local 34 of hurt without this, but it’s critical enegger, despite his campaign promis- press time the California Labor traveled to Sacramento on the AFL- to the entire region,” Secchitano said. es to leave it alone. His budget propos- Federation had taken no position on CIO’s 2003 “lobby day” and urged leg- For more information, see al includes $2 billion in education cuts Props. 57 and 58. islators to back the bill. They pooled www.measure2.org and fee increases of up to 40 percent —Marcy Rein efforts with brothers and sisters from —Marcy Rein 6• January 2004

SOLIDARITY BEATS THE ODDS FOR LOCAL 17 Finally the former Fleming work- ers in ILWU warehouse Local 17 could exhale. They ratified a contract with their new employer, C&S Wholesale Grocers, by an overwhelm- ing margin Jan. 17—ending two jit- tery years on an upswing, thanks to strong solidarity with the Teamsters. Around 170 Local 17 members worked at the Sacramento distribu- tion center for Fleming, the top U.S. grocery distributor. They covered all the routine warehouse jobs except for the hostler, loader, palletizer and front-office clerical positions filled by Teamsters Local 150 and the invento- ry clerk jobs, which are non-union. Fleming started sliding in early 2002, after its main customer, K- Mart, went bankrupt. Local 17’s jit- ters mounted later that year when Fleming began shedding its retail stores and the SEC started looking into its accounting practices. Local 17’s contract with Fleming was set to expire May 31, 2003. Negotiations began in March. Fleming declared bankruptcy April 1. At the table, management demanded more than $1 million in concessions from the union. “Holiday take-backs, two-tier An ILWU Local 17 member working in the frozen meat section of the former Fleming warehouse in Sacramento. wages—they wanted everything,” said night shop steward and Local 17 June 2004, but will take 75 cents per vessels were closed and the IBU “The state and the IBU have a Vice President Jeff Carter. hour out of their checks for health members were unemployed. relationship concerning labor protec- Facing these unreasonable de- care. The higher rate will still give This shutdown occurred despite tions in the RFP process,” IBU mands and Fleming’s unstable situa- them higher overtime and will raise repeated concessions by the workers President David Freiboth comment- tion, the union took a very deliberate the floor for the next contract. They to cut hours and some benefits in an ed. “If WSF wishes to modify those approach to negotiations. Business will also get 50 cents per hour in each effort to reach an agreement. On Dec. protections they are obligated to bar- dropped further and people lost work. of the next two years. They gave up 19 IBU officials and Rick Bender, gain with the IBU.” By the fall, only 57 of those on the six of 12 sick days per year and will head of the Washington State Labor WSF is currently engaged in an seniority list were being scheduled lose two days of vacation next year— Council, met with WSF top manage- effort, through court action, to get for 40 hours a week. The rest got any- but they get to keep all their holidays ment officials Mike Thorne and Gary the MEC ruling overturned. where from 32 hours a week to none. and the vacation accrued under Balwin. The managers suggested the The first RFP round produced no C&S filed paperwork to buy Fleming. IBU meet with Sodexho and try to bidders for the contract and WSF put Fleming’s wholesale business in The new management agreed to come up with some concessions that out new requests with letters of June. Once they had managers in honor Local 17 members’ seniority might enable the galleys to stay open intent due Jan. 9. As of Jan. 13, 21 place, they offered to extend Local and past practices at the shop, and to through August 2004. companies submitted letters of intent 17’s contract to February 2004. But keep the contract language allowing The IBU did just that and for on-shore food and beverage serv- when they came to the table in them to respect picket lines. The Sodexho went back to WSF with its ice and 11 for on-board food and bev- December, they brought a Scrooge of agreement will expire May 31, 2007, offer. WSF would not accept the erage service. Final proposals are due an offer. They wanted a $1.71 per giving them a common expiration Sodexho terms and offered a two- Feb. 10. hour wage cut, then a wage freeze for date with Local 150 for the first time. week extension to try to work out a WSF has asked potential bidders the life of an eight-year contract. “For a new company coming in longer deal. Sodexho found this unac- to contact the IBU about their pro- Seven sessions did little to close that has a third of the business the ceptable and decided to shut down its posals. According to Dennis Conklin, the gap. The union walked away from old one did, this is a good contract,” operations as of midnight, Dec. 31. IBU Patrolman, any new vendors bargaining. Jenkins said. “I don’t know if we Informational pickets started going must now honor the current terms Local 17 Secretary-Treasurer would’ve done better with a solvent up at terminals the next day. and conditions of the contract and Jack Wyatt, Sr. and Dispatch- Fleming.” The financial trouble in the WSF rehire laid off Sodexho workers. As of er/Business Agent Everett Burdan Burdan gave lots of credit to his system is directly linked to Initiative press time only one potential bidder called on ILWU International fellow negotiating team members— 695, passed in November 1999, and has contacted the union. While this is Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams. Wyatt, Jenkins, Carter, Brian subsequent legislation eliminating good news for IBU workers, the earli- He in turn called John Williams, head Gerring, Ernest Vasquez and Chief the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (2.2 est that a full-scale galley operation of the Teamsters’ warehouse division. Steward Dale Farrow. percent of the value of all motor vehi- could be up and running wouldn’t be Ultimately ILWU Local 17 and “This is one of the best teams I’ve cles) in the state of Washington. Loss until late March or April. Teamsters 150 agreed they would seen,” he said. “A few months before, of the car tax revenue sucked 20 per- The IBU is continuing to run monitor each other’s negotiations, these guys didn’t know if they’d have cent of the operating funding and 75 informational pickets and inform the with their international officers sit- jobs. The company thought they percent of the capital funding from public that they need to contact their ting in. could use the fear factor, but the the public ferry system. WSF man- legislators, the state Transportation C&S called the parties back to the whole bargaining unit upheld the agement is now looking to make up Commissioners, as well as the gover- table. They were working against the ILWU traditions and principles of some of that lost revenue by taking nor to put pressure on WSF to come bankruptcy court’s Feb. 23, 2004 fighting back. We pulled together and money from union workers. to an agreement and reopen the gal- deadline to close the Fleming deal or got this done.” Earlier last year Sodexho leys. WSF CEO Thorne’s vision of a walk away, and they wanted to close. —Marcy Rein informed WSF that it did not want to new way to do business aboard the “They really want to be in continue its contract with WSF under ferries has resulted in the loss of jobs, California,” said Local 17 President FERRY WORKERS FIGHT the current terms, claiming they inconvenience for thousands of ferry Evan Jenkins. “C&S has grown FOR THEIR JOBS were losing too much money. WSF riders every day, and the loss of any incredibly rapidly, and this was Thanks to union solidarity, politi- then started the process for Requests revenue the state could have contin- important for their positioning.” cal pressure and strategic organizing, for Proposals (RFP) for new food ued to make from the concessions for When the C&S negotiators some 130 food service workers aboard service vendors that did not include a period of three to four months. showed up for bargaining with the the Washington State Ferries may yet long-established worker protection —Jay Ubelhart and Peter Hart Teamsters Jan. 9, they saw officials language to give preferential hiring get their jobs back. ELECTIONS BRING BIG CHANGES from the ILWU and IBT Internation- Washington State Ferries man- to the existing galley workers and to als and ILWU Local 17 sitting in. agement announced Dec. 30, 2003 it honor the terms and conditions of IN LOCAL 142 LEADERSHIP “When they saw John Williams could not reach an agreement with their current contract. The IBU filed HONOLULU—As the result of and me at the table, they knew we Sodexho, the food service vendor an Unfair Labor Practice charge local-wide elections held last meant business and we had a united aboard the ferries, to extend its con- against WSF because of the omission November, close to half, or 13 of the front,” Willie Adams said. “We told tract and keep the galleys onboard and on Dec, 8. 2003 the union won a 27 elected full-time offices of them you get a contract with both open. Shocked workers, represented huge victory when the Marine Hawaii’s Local 142, will be filled by unions or you have no contract.” by the ILWU’s marine division, the Employee’s Commission, the state new people. By the end of that weekend, both Inlandboatmen’s Union, continued to agency that governs labor relations in The biggest change occurred in unions had tentative agreements. serve the public and load trucks with the WSF, ruled that WSF had violated the top offices of the local, where five Local 17 kept fully paid retiree provisions and equipment owned by labor law and ordered it to rescind of the seven executive positions will health care and pensions. Members Sodexho on New Years Eve. By New the RFP’s that did not contain work- be filled by new people. Of the three will see a raise of 75 cents per hour in Year’s Day all galleys aboard WSF er protection language. highest officers—president, vice-pres- January 2004 • 7

ident, and secretary-treasurer—two President of the Republic of Colombia are newly elected. Former Hawaii GRINCH OF THE YEAR AWARD Dr. Alvaro Uribe Velez Division director Fred Galdones will Palacio de Narino Carrera 8 No. 7-26 take the lead as president and Maui Santafe de Bogota, Colombia member Donna Domingo will serve as [email protected]/rdh@pres vice-president. Guy Fujimura is the idencia.gov.co only incumbent, having served as the —Jack Mulcahy local’s secretary-treasurer since 1985. The next highest positions are STEWARD’S TRAINING the four division directors—Hawaii, EMPOWERS RANK AND FILE Maui, Kauai, and Oahu—who admin- Stewards at mine, mineral pro- ister the work of the union in their cessing Local 30 took a day off Nov. division. Three of the division direc- 21 to attend an intensive training tors will be new to the job, however, workshop sponsored by the ILWU all three have many years of experi- International. Except for two stew- ence as business agents. ards away on union business, all After serving 20 years as a busi- stewards and local officers attended ness agent, Willy Kennison will take the session in Boron, Calif. Guests on a new position as head of Maui included allied division workers from division. Former business agent longshore Local 13 and chemical pro- Richard Baker will take over as cessing/packaging workers from Hawaii division director. Baker Local 20. served 15 years as a business agent. “Some of our stewards are pretty Dave Mori will take office as the new well seasoned, but we figured we Oahu division director. Mori has 11 could all learn something,” Local 30 years experience as a business agent. President Ray Panter said. “So Trini Kauai’s director, Clayton Dela Cruz, [Vice President Trinidad Esquivel is the only incumbent, with 20 years III] got in touch with the of experience as a full-time officer. International and we set it up.” The three titled officers and four The training program was initial- division directors also serve as the ly developed under the direction of local’s executive committee and meet former International Secretary- monthly to coordinate the work of the Treasurer Joe Ibarra. Willie Adams union, particularly in the areas of Jobs With Justice (JWJ) has announced that David Flentge, CEO of stepped in after he was elected to that contract negotiations and grievance Community Health Care (CHC), has been awarded the Pierce County Grinch position and he and Ibarra led the handling. of the year award. Grinch Flentge has achieved this undesirable benchmark training. Of the 20 elected business agents for his part in what has become one of the biggest debacles in recent local “We promised our people we (BA), who carry out the day-to-day history. would get more involved in the work of the local, more than half or CSC is a nonprofit health care provider that in the past has been showing International, and this is one way to 11 will be fairly new to the job. Six a profit of 17 percent and providing much needed health care to the less for- do it,” said Esquivel, who also serves were newly elected and another five on the International Executive business agents were mid-term tunate in the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Just one year ago CSC had $3.5 million in its coffers. Then in an effort to be one of the “big Board. “Stewards’ training—along appointments and served less than with leadership conferences and sec- guys,” Grinch Flentge and his henchmen and women (management staff) two years in office. retary-treasurers’ training—will help —Mel Chang began squandering millions of dollars on fancy buildings, architects and even us get more new people involved in Editor, Voice of the ILWU a management-led union decertification drive. The decertification drive was our union.” defeated by SEIU 1199 by a margin of 89 to 13. Now Flentge is asking the The course began with the rights COLOMBIAN UNIONISTS CONTINUE workers to forgo a modest 2.5 percent raise. Once again we see corporate and responsibilities of stewards as COKE BOYCOTT greed grow at the expense of workers. defined by law and by their own con- Juan Carlos Galvis met with JWJ activists, including ILWU local 23 members Vance Lelli and Roger tract. It uses a combination of formal International Vice President Bob Boespflug, met at the CSC downtown office to present Grinch Flentge his presentations, instructional videos McEllrath, International Executive award. When the Grinch appeared in the parking lot the delegation sprang and role-playing to increase stewards’ Board Member John Rapp and the into action. Grinch Flentge was surrounded while Boespflug was given the understanding of their tasks on the officers of longshore Local 8 Oct. 17 honor of reading the plague and presenting the award, then the affected job. These tasks include contract administration, grievance handling, to continue the exposure of Coca- union members of SEIU 1199 recited a poem written especially for him. The negotiations and member mobiliza- Cola’s involvement in the killing of Grinch quickly turned on his heels and ran for his car. union officials and union busting at tion. The delegation had done their job, but then they saw a company truck Coca Cola bottling plants in Stewards are on the union’s front Columbia. parked in the lot that had the phrase “Where care is the final word” on it. The line of defense representing workers Galvis is a worker and Vice Sisters of SEIU 1199 said it seemed that corporate greed is actually the final on the job. But they are also on the President of the Sinaltrainal Union word. Jake Carton, an organizer for JWJ, suggested they fix the slogan for front line in representing the union at the Coke plants in Barrancaber- them. Carton went into his trunk and out came a “Stop corporate greed” sign. to the workers. One of the goals of the meja, Colombia. He was in the The delegation modified the sign and then modified the truck. The advertise- training is to educate them on the Northwest as part of a larger cam- ment on the truck now reads “Where corporate greed is the final word.” history of the union and its place in paign to educate unions about the JWJ presents these awards in the hopes that, just like in the fabled fairy the world. involvement of paramilitary troops in tale, the Grinch’s heart will begin to melt and then grow three times its normal International staffers Russ Barg- mann, Research Director, and Gene Coca-Cola bottling plants and the size. This Grinch’s heart does not seem to melting, but with pressure from Vrana, Director of Educational 1996 murder of former Sinaltrainal community organizations like JWJ and a healthy labor movement we may yet President Isidro Segundo Gil. Galvis Services and Librarian, spent many melt the block of ice in the chest of all the CEOs. himself recently survived an assassi- hours developing materials for the nation attempt Aug. 22, 2003 when training. Because of the widely armed gunmen on motorcycles fired diverse groups represented by the bullets at his vehicle being driven by human rights violations at its panies involvement in union-busting union, the materials have to be flexi- his bodyguards. Colombian facilities. The most recent paramilitary activity. ble and adaptable to different work- Galvis was also a plaintiff in a State Departments Human Rights Sadly, on Dec. 4, 2003 Jose Rojas places. Local 30 workers mine borax lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Report for Colombia released March Castaneda, a member of the teachers’ in a huge open pit. They are geo- Court in Florida brought under the 31, noted, “Paramilitaries continued union and the brother-in-law of Juan graphically isolated from each other Alien Tort Claims Act for human to commit numerous unlawful and Carlos Galvis, was murdered when and from the rest of the union. They rights violations—specifically the political killings, particularly of labor two men came to his home and killed also face an unusually hostile employ- murder of Isidro Segundo Gil—com- leaders, often kidnapping and tortur- him in front of his wife, who is eight- er, the huge multi-national Rio Tinto mitted by paramilitaries in Colombia ing suspected sympathizers prior to months pregnant with their first Ltd. on behalf of two Colombian Coca- executing them.” child. “The training satisfied their Cola bottling companies. Galvis The country’s judicial system, Some of the union activists have thirst for knowledge, and that knowl- explained that even though the court which itself has been frequently limited protection, such as body- edge gives them the strength to stand dismissed Coca-Cola Company as attacked, has seldom interfered. guards, provided by the government, up more confidently in representing defendant in the case, they are Among the 1,875 murders of union but their families do not have the the workers to management,” Vrana allowed to proceed against two leaders that have occurred since same degree of protection. said. “It was really important for Colombian Coca-Cola bottling compa- 1991, only five convictions have been The President of the Sinaltrainal them to develop the skills in evaluat- nies: Panamco and Bebidas y obtained. union in Barrancabermeja, William ing grievances to know which were Ailmento. International Vice President Mendoza, and Galvis ask that we all ones could be the basis for a cam- The plaintiffs are represented by McEllrath presented Galvis a letter of support the boycott actions against paign on the job.” Dan Kovalik, Assistant General support from the ILWU for the con- Coca-Cola and contact the U.S. “We have a lot of new members in Counsel for the United Steelworkers tinued boycott against Coke, and Embassy officials and the President the local who had no previous union of America. They plan to appeal the ILWU Local 8 member Jack Lee pre- of Colombia to express our concerns. experience, and we need show them portion of the ruling against Coca- sented him with his anti-Coke art- They can be contacted at: how the union works,” Panter said. “I Cola and to continue pressing the work creatively painted onto a 1997 Ambassador William B. Wood think both the new and the more sea- campaign until Coke stops the Dispatcher article exposing the com- Embassy fax: (571) 315-2197. soned people really got a lot out of it.” —Tom Price 8• January 2004 What were these guys thinking? TWO-HEADED SPACE ALIEN SHRINKS LABOR MOVEMENT by Gary Huck and Mike Konopacki Capitalism Sucks Press 112 pages, $14.95

A BOOK REVIEW OF SORTS by Kathy Wilkes eaders of The Dispatcher are no strangers to labor cartoonists RGary Huck and Mike Kono- packi. Their art has appeared in the paper for well over a decade, giving punch and focus to issues important to ILWU members, retirees and their families. Case in point: Last year, at the height of the dispute between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association, Mike’s “Homeland Security” cartoon of President Bush holding a gun to the head of a long- shoreman was duplicated, adapted and distributed up and down the coast, much to the delight of union members and the consternation of PMA executives (especially Joe Miniace whose name was substituted for Bush’s after a particularly nasty bargaining session). And that’s just one example of why, for many of us in the labor movement, Gary and Mike are like old friends: always there when you need them. Their cartoons are a boon to busy labor editors, the bane of bad employers and a boost to beleaguered The answer is in their art. working stiffs everywhere. If a picture is worth a thousand Spoofing supermarket tabloids, words, H/K cartoons speak volumes their fifth and newest book, “Two- about the stuff that really matters to Headed Space Alien Shrinks Labor working people, the stuff the main- Movement,” gets its name from the stream media usually ignores. Stuff fact that people often confuse these like decent wages and working condi- self-labeled “hirsute, four-eyed tions; safety in the workplace and cheese heads” from Wisconsin who, healthcare for our families; the right since forming Huck/Konopacki Labor and the inevitable fight to support a Cartoons in 1983, have documented union; a future for our kids through a with their art the shock and awe of a good education; a future for ourselves labor movement under siege. through retirement with dignity; In typical tabloid-ese, the book employment, unemployment and charges H/K with using extraterres- underemployment; free trade vs. fair trial powers to single-handedly trade; America’s eroding manufac- shrink union membership in the U.S. turing base; the “invisible hand of the by more than seven percent. While marketplace” that pumps up corpo- vehemently denying any affiliation rate piggery and slashes our social with the “AFL-UFO,” they admit safety net. they had havoc in mind when they Despite labor’s decline there’s put their heads together 20 years ago still plenty of move in the movement, and started syndicating their month- and it’s those movers and shakers ly package of labor cartoons. who are H/K’s most avid fans. “We wanted to serve labor, not Whatever the issue, nothing revs up shrink it,” they protest. “We thought the ranks like a swift kick in the seat we could use humor and acerbic of power, and nothing accomplishes workingclass wit to subvert the capi- that better than labor cartoons plas- talist conspiracy against worker soli- tered on picket signs, lockers, bul- darity and creativity.” letin boards and all over the union Apparently they never heard of newspaper. Bosses really hate that. Murphy’s Law. And then there’s politics. The It comes as no surprise, then, 2000 Florida election coup; 9/11, war that Pete Mueller, whose own car- and peace, blood and oil; the Bill of toons have appeared in The New Rights and the USA PATRIOT Act; Yorker, The Progressive and other the twisted brain of our “Pretzel national publications, begins his fore- Prez”; our two-faced, one-party sys- word to “Two-Headed Space Alien” tem; those ever-present, well-heeled, with the question: “What were these high-rolling, back-stabbing, hood- guys thinking?” winking, double-dealing, union-bust- ing, money-grubbing, democracy- destroying corporate criminals—and the politicians they own. Thank your lucky stars, H/K’s got it covered. Otherwise, pass the Prozac, please. H/K Labor Cartoons aren’t just about sorely needed comic relief, though. They make us think, and that’s the last thing the powers-that- be want us to do. Masters at emascu- works by the artists, including Gary’s http://solidarity.com/hkcartoons/. lating the high and mighty, H/K’s hilarious gag cartoons, Even if you don’t buy the book, check enterprise boldly goes where no one “Oddservations,” and moving trib- out the website for cartoons, anima- has gone before, which is precisely utes to John Lennon, Malcolm X and tions, political comics, web links and why the “kept press” won’t touch Lenny Bruce, along with Mike’s occa- more. It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s…out of them with a two-foot light saber. sional zine, Wage Slave World News, this world. Maybe that space alien thing isn’t so and thought-provoking political Kathy Wilkes is past editor of The far off the mark after all. comics for Amnesty International Dispatcher and has done freelance Celebrating Huck/Konopacki’s and others. work for several other labor publica- 20-year collaboration, “Two-Headed At $14.95, the book is a bargain tions, all on this planet. Space Alien” also features other and can be purchased online at: January 2004 • 9 One day at a time: George Cobbs retires By Maria Brooks promises of happiness. Pain finds you, whether you’re drunk or sober. he mayor of San Francisco Cobbs’ son was shot to death in a declared Jan. 6, “George Cobbs contract killing on the streets not far TDay.” A member of ILWU Local from this meeting. 10 for 38 years, Cobbs is hanging the “They blew him away,” he said. hook. To celebrate his extraordinary He doesn’t know what activities his career, the Local put on the glitz with son was involved in—and he doesn’t a candle lit retirement dinner. The want to know. “He wasn’t dealing, I event turned into a loving tribute to a believe that,” he said in a voice trail- man who has offered many a second ing off. chance at life. Born in Arkansas, George Cobbs George Cobbs is Coast Director of grew up in Oakland. His family was the ILWU-PMA Alcoholism/Drug part of the Black migration to the Recovery Program and a certified East Bay during World War II. substance abuse counselor. Under his He wasn’t a good student, but he stewardship the program has grown was an exceptional football player. In into a nationally recognized model, high school and later at San Jose one that has been copied around the State, Cobbs played running back. He country. was a star, at least, he felt like one. Colleagues flew in to celebrate his “I had no goals for myself,” he retirement. Many were members of remembered. Girls liked him, he had the national organization of enough money, life was easy—until Employee Assistance Professionals. his knees gave out. With its membership in the thou- “By that time,” Cobb said, “I sands, EAPA counselors work in liked wine better than football.” recovery programs from Seattle to With his football career over, he Maine. Cobbs has been international married an Oakland woman. Soon he president of the organization. He’s was a father, with babies arriving traveled world wide and met with the every year. powerful. He’s even spent an evening “I started drinking white port at the White House. and lemon juice,” he said. “It made

Although he can schmooze with me crazy, crazy as a loon.” Maria Brooks bureaucrats and charm elected brass, He worked at odd jobs and lost George Cobbs he appears most comfortable with them. He didn’t bother to show up for people most of us shun—the down work, or when he did, he was drunk. member at a special LRC meeting. “Oh, lord, yes,” she shot back, and out, the drunks and drug addicts. He hung out on the streets, bumming The woman was applying for re- her voice cracking. “His heart is open to any suffer- for liquor. instatement. The year before she Minutes later the meeting was ing alcoholic who wants to change,” “Friends I grew up with worked failed a random drug test. over. The woman had been reinstat- said Honey Powell of Local 10 who at Continental Cans, it was organized The meeting was held in PMA’s ed. Graham pressed her hand, went through the PMA-ILWU by ILWU Local 6,” he said. “These conference room in downtown “You’ve been blessed. Make good this Recovery Program. guys had nice cars, good clothes. I Oakland. At the end of a long table time,” he said softy. At his retirement dinner Cobbs knew I wasn’t good enough to keep a the woman sat fingering her brown Cobbs calls these reinstatement sat surrounded by six pretty women, job like that. I was a drunk—I was hair. Across from her was Henry hearings “a second chance.” Not all of all of them his daughters. Nearby different from those guys.” Graham, president of ILWU Local 10. us get second chances. Cobbs got one. were grandchildren and next to them Years went by with failed Cobb took a seat near Graham. So did Henry Graham. sat his 83-year old mother. The fami- attempts at sobriety. For one year the woman had fol- “This program saved my life,” ly listened to a parade of well wishers. “Inside I knew I was a loser. I was lowed an arduous list of PMA-ILWU Graham said. “Without it, I’d be dead A PMA officer commended Cobbs for afraid I’d die drunk, that I’d leave Alcohol and Recovery Program’s today.” For 14 years, he’s been clean leadership. James Spinosa, ILWU that kind of legacy to my kids,” he requirements for reinstatement. She and sober. International President, praised him said. brought letters of support attesting Leaving the building, Cobbs as “an icon of the union.” Many oth- Cobbs took his last drink in 1963. to her sobriety. Cobbs confirmed her reflected on his years counseling ers trailed up to a microphone to offer Once sober he was eager to find work, successful participation. addicted workers. gratitude for the program and love but no one would hire him. When a PMA’s rep, Rich Marino, entered “I’m grateful for my life,” he said. for the man who steered it for 23 janitorial position came up at local the room carrying a folder stuffed “People’s lives don’t have to be per- years. department store, Cobbs begged. with papers. fect. Most do the best they can—from “When you’ve been a drunk,” “’Lady, I need a job. I got babies. Sitting down at the table, he rum- where they are. They may not have Cobbs once said, “no matter how I need a job,’” Cobbs remembered maged through the pile. The woman big houses—they may not have shit. much success you might achieve, you pleading in the personnel office. watched him carefully. But you know what they got that always have a feeling inside that says, An operations manager over- Suddenly, he looked over at her can’t be taken away?” ‘I ain’t worth shit.’” heard him. He came out of his office and in a loud voice asked, “Do you He doesn’t wait for an answer. Sitting with his family, listening and stared at Cobbs, and on an want to be a longshoreman?” For a “They got sobriety,” he smiled. to laudatory praises from friends and impulse, hired him. “Pushing a second, the words hung in the air. “One day at a time.” union buddies, Cobbs may have broom” was for Cobbs a second reflected on how starkly different it chance at life. International Longshore and Warehouse Union had been the night before. “I’ll never forget that man,” International Executive Board On this rainy evening in Cobbs said. “He had a heart. He gave San Francisco, California Oakland, Cobbs drove to a not-too- me an opportunity when I really December 11-12, 2003 safe part of town. He left his van at needed it.” the end of a parking lot and entered a Within a couple of years Cobbs STATEMENT OF POLICY small building. had become a maintenance supervi- IN HONOR OF BROTHER GEORGE COBBS Underneath his black beret, his sor. During this time, by chance, he UPON HIS HANGING UP THE HOOK eyes glanced around the room. At 67, submitted an application to the George Cobbs is a big man. His face is ILWU. His timing was perfect. In Brother George Cobbs is a member of Local 10 from the class ‘65, Book marked by crescent shaped scar. 1965 Local 10 offered him a job. With #6851. Years ago when he was drunk, Cobbs two years of sobriety behind him, he Brother Cobbs is a pioneer in alcohol and drug counseling. shoved a stranger on the street. In an was ready to start a new life. Brother Cobbs is the first and only Director of the ILWU-PMA Drug & Alcohol instant, a razor slashed across his “There are people that honestly Program coastwise and for Northern California. He has served in this capac- face. The cut went deep. don’t believe that you can get sober ity since 1980. His leadership has promoted the development of drug and “Hello, my name is George. I’m and stay that way,” Honey Powell alcohol recovery programs through the ILWU and beyond. an alcoholic,” he said entering the said. “People have been telling me room. that for almost 11 years. I’ve been Brother Cobbs’ work has helped create a community for brothers and sis- Three men sat at a long table clean since ’93.” ters. This community has sustained the ILWU-PMA Drug & Alcohol Program under a ceiling light bulb. Each was In 1980 Cobbs trained to be a with a track record second to none. The program has helped countless bundled in rain gear. They looked counselor for a special health care members maintain sobriety. The program he developed included weekly haggard and edgy. But they were approach to drug and alcohol addic- meeting at Local 10, an annual picnic, dances, annual fundraisers for inde- sober. tion. The program grew into the pendent social service programs, and an annual week long rank & file DARE “No one graduates,” Cobbs said ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan Alco- Coordinator training. when it was time for him to speak. hol/Drug Recovery Program. “It’s one day at a time.” The program works. According to Brother Cobbs assisted other organizations in starting programs, and he is a He talked in a whispery voice, Rich Marino, employee rep for PMA, leader in the national movement to provide treatment and support for alco- without pretension. He was relaxed of 50 individuals who went through holics and drug addicts through Employee Assistance Programs. and unguarded, although he had the Recovery Program, only two never met these men before. In meet- failed to maintain sobriety. We thank and commend Brother George Cobbs for the years of service to ings like this one, Cobbs took control Everyone’s confidentially is protect- the membership of the ILWU and his fellow human beings from other walks of his life. He has attended AA meet- ed. of life. ings for more than 40 years. A few days ago Cobbs performed As he often does, on this night one of his last functions as area direc- Brother Cobbs is an important leader of the ILWU. Cobbs talked about his only son and tor of the PMA-ILWU Recovery The ILWU International Executive Board wishes Brother Cobbs a lengthy about loss. Sobriety, he said, offers no Program. He represented a union retirement filled with joy, fellowship and good health. 10 • January 2004

January 2004 NOTICE TO ALL ILWU-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES, ILWU MEMBERS, FINANCIAL CORE NON-MEMBERS AND NEW HIRES

This notice applies to all ILWU-represented employees, ILWU members, nonmembers and new hires working in an ILWU bargaining unit, including members and individuals who happen ASHAMED OF THE DISPATCHER increase of the additional wages and at any time to become financial core members by any means, including by choice, suspension for all the other problems you had to or expulsion from union membership in any local or division affiliated with the ILWU, for the one I’m an affiliate of the ILWU in go through. We who are retired year period following the date of this notice or until such time covered by a later notice of similar Local 20 in Wilmington, Ca., and I am appreciate the pension increase. It kind. totally ashamed of your political stance was a godsend, well needed. The information contained herein applies to ILWU International per capita and, for those on world politics and your horrible Gaston is very ill at this point in working in the Longshore Division, the ILWU Coast Pro Rata fees or payments of any kind under attitude toward the Iraq war. There life. When receiving the ILWU news- a union security clause. This notice also applies to local dues and fees paid to any affiliated ILWU probably are more conservative view- locals or divisions, except those affiliates who have chosen not to be covered by this notice and paper, I make a point to read every points AMONG OUR WORKERS than have issued their own separate notice under their own separate policies and procedures. page to him. His eyes light up as he the faggot liberal left. I hope the fact (Accordingly, this notice shall be superseded by any other notice issued by any affiliated ILWU enjoys to hear the news. that the International is in San local or division with respect to its dues and fees.) God bless all of you and congrat- Francisco with the liberal 9th Circuit Please be advised that individuals working under a union security clause contained in a col- ulations to all those who were voted lective bargaining agreement, notwithstanding the specific provisions of such clause, are only Court is not the reason you’re liberal, into office. Happy New Year and may required as a condition of employment under such clause to pay uniform dues and any required too much so, that even though I’m a God keep you safe and in good health initiation fees and may, by writing to the ILWU Secretary-Treasurer, or to their local ILWU secre- strong labor advocate, I’d vote conser- in 2004 and beyond. Thank you sooo tary-treasurer, resign or decline union membership and choose to become a “financial core mem- vative just to keep a liberal from get- much! ber” at any time. Such “financial core members” are deemed to be in compliance with any union ting voted in. I’m also a Viet Nam Vet Gaston (Babe) and Alvera Brochier security clause, regardless of any specific wording to the contrary, so long as they timely pay all and cannot stomach your liberalism. regular and periodic financial core dues or fees properly charged by their bargaining represen- Local 34 retired What happened to compromise or mid- tative as explained herein. dle of the road or is it called moderate? LELLI ORAL HISTORY APPRECIATED Please be advised, however, that financial core members deprive themselves of the valuable With your continual views and rights of union membership in the ILWU and their ILWU local or division. A financial core mem- Thanks to Harvey Schwartz for ber does not have the right to vote, nominate for office, hold office, or be a candidate for office in me as a veteran, I am embarrassed to his wonderful oral history with be affiliated with your group, as the ILWU; nor may he/she participate in or even attend ILWU meetings or any functions of the Tacoma’s Phil Lelli in the November union that are limited to union members. In addition, a financial core member has no right to vote many of my friends are as well. Dispatcher. Phil is a unique friend to on dues increases or on contracts submitted to the membership for ratification. These rights and To say we, the U.S., is occupying everyone in the labor community in privileges of union membership are accorded only to union members in good standing. Iraq sounds like you got some Arab the Pacific Northwest, and helps Nevertheless, financial core members are still legally required under a valid union security writing the front page, or even a ter- guide me and others in doing labor clause to pay to their union for the costs related to collective bargaining, contract administration, rorist, you liberal bastards. history. He and other ILWU members grievance adjustment, and union organizing of establishments within competitive markets of ILWU-unionized employers, and other activities reasonably related to the effectuation of the Seymour Weinberg and pensioners in Local 23 and Local ILWU Local 20 union’s representational duties (hereinafter called “chargeable activities”). However, union expen- 19, Local 52 and other locals in the ditures for non-representational activities such as political activities, lobbying (hereinafter called UNFAIR TO CONSERVATIVES Puget Sound pioneered in establish- “nonchargeable activities”) - activities which most workers know help build a better climate for us I am absolutely sickened by your ing the Harry Bridges endowed chair all in bargaining with employers and in securing fundamental worker rights - may not be charged newspaper, The Dispatcher. in labor studies at the University of to financial core members who file timely objections. Washington. There are only six For calendar year 2002 (which is the most recent audited year), the financial review has con- It is extremely one sided. It is firmed that no more than 10% of all ILWU International’s expenditures were for nonchargeable also extremely liberal. Does no one endowed chairs at the UW, and this is the most unique one. It is the only activities. While each ILWU local and division may have different percentages of nonchargeable there realize that not all union work- expenditures, financial reviews and practical experience confirm that the nonchargeable per- ers feel the way The Dispatcher does? endowed chair named after a labor leader (and what a leader!) that I am centage for ILWU locals is significantly lower than that for the ILWU International. Nevertheless, It is highly unfair to the conser- those ILWU locals and divisions covered by this notice will not collect or seek to collect financial aware of in the U.S., and perhaps the vatives that belong to the union. I try core fees greater than that based on the nonchargeable percentage of 10% stated above for the to read The Dispatcher and I get sick only endowed chair funded by hun- ILWU International for the applicable collection period herein or until such time as such local to my stomach because of the one- dreds of small donations from work- issues a separate notice. sided, liberal spouting of... use your ers. For those individuals employed in the ILWU Longshore Division and work for a PMA-mem- imagination. I am especially proud to be the ber company under the Pacific Coast Longshore and Clerks Agreement, please also note that first faculty member from Tacoma to with respect to Coast Pro Rata Fees, for calendar year 2002 (which is the most recent audited There are two sides, liberal and year), the financial review has confirmed that no more than 10% of all ILWU Coast Pro Rata conservative. Funny The Dispatcher hold this chair. I would like to thank all ILWU pensioners, current ILWU Committee’s expenditures were for nonchargeable activities. doesn’t see it that way. The ILWU International Executive Board and the ILWU Coast Pro Rata Committee have Keep your paper and send it to members, and ILWU supporters such as attorney Bob Duggan for their adopted Procedures on Financial Core Members Objecting to Nonchargeable Expenditures someone who will read it. It does not (hereinafter called the “Procedures”). Said procedures can be obtained from the ILWU hard work and compassion. They get read here at my home, it only gets International Secretary-Treasurer at 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Under the tossed in the trash, where it belongs. show us day to day what solidarity Procedures, a financial core member of any affiliated ILWU local and division has the right within really means. Scott Morse an applicable 30 day period of time to object to expenditure for nonchargeable activities of his or Port Townsend WA Mike Honey, her local dues paid to the ILWU local and the per capita paid to the ILWU International, as well as Harry Bridges Chair of Labor Studies, any Coast Pro Rata fees paid to the ILWU Coast Pro Rata Committee. In the event a financial core THANK YOU, ILWU University of Washington, and member perfects such objection, he or she shall receive either the appropriate monthly reduction Professor of Ethnic and Labor Studies and or an advance rebate of a portion of local dues and per capita reflecting the ILWU International’s Gaston (Babe) Brochier and nonchargeable percentage of 10% stated above and, additionally for those working in the ILWU myself wish to thank all the ILWU American History, University of Washington, Longshore Division, an appropriate monthly reduction or an advance rebate of a portion of the workers who worked so hard for the Tacoma coast pro rata fees reflecting the ILWU Coast Pro Rata Committee’s nonchargeable percentage of 10% stated above. Under the Procedures, an objection by a financial core member must be made in writing and Ralph Rooker retires post-marked within 30 days from the date of this notice or the date of becoming a new hire or a financial core member under an ILWU union security clause and receipt of this notice, whichev- fter working on the San er is later, and addressed to the ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer, 1188 Franklin Street, 4th Francisco Bay waterfront for Floor, San Francisco, CA 94109. To be valid, the written objection must specify the objector’s A35 years, Local 10’s Ralph name, address, social security number, current wage rate, the name of his or her employer and Rooker has retired. the name of the local union or division which represents the objector. A written objection must be Rooker became a member of timely in order to be valid. Without waiving the 30-day filing period with respect to other notices Local 10 after serving two tours in of this type, please be advised that under this notice only, objections filed by current financial core members will be deemed timely if postmarked on or before March 15, 2004. Individuals who after Vietnam as a Sea-Bee. When he start- the date of this notice become new hires or financial core members may file an objection within ed working as a longshoreman in 30 days of the date they become a new hire or financial core member or receive this notice, 1969, the work in San Francisco was whichever is later. almost non-existent for Calls B mem- Unless changed by a later notice, those financial core members and new hires who file time- bers. Rooker kept notes and docu- ly objections will not be charged from the date they file a timely objection through December 2004 mented how members would make for expenditures related to nonchargeable activities based on the applicable percentages noted themselves available for dispatch above and also will be provided detailed, independently audited financial information concerning daily, even when there was no chance the breakdown between chargeable and nonchargeable expenditures of the ILWU International, to pick up a job. It wasn’t until 1976 Ralph Rooker gets his book number the ILWU Coast Pro Rata Committee (if the objector works in the Longshore Division) and of their that he became a Class A member. in 1969. ILWU local (if covered by this notice as explained herein). Objectors will also be given an oppor- it was the allocation of work or simply tunity to file, within 30 days of receipt of such financial information, a challenge to the amount and All of his documentation for work calculation of any such nonchargeable expenditures and percentages, as well as an opportunity availability from 1969-1973 would be on the job site. Rooker also served as to have such a challenge resolved, if not voluntarily settled, through expeditious arbitration before critical later, when in the 2002 con- Caucus and Convention delegate many a neutral arbitrator selected by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in proceedings con- tract negotiations he was a member times for the local between 1983 and ducted under AAA Rules applicable to objections to agency fees. Please also note that the of the “Back-Years” Committee. 2003. He attended Conventions in amount or portion of financial core fees pending the period for filing any objection and challenge Under his leadership, they were able Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Hawaii as well as the amount reasonably in dispute pursuant to any challenges will be kept in an inter- to bargain special provisions allowing and San Francisco. est bearing escrow account pending resolution of such challenges. Objectors who file challenges members to get pension qualifying Rooker’s retirement will be a loss will receive any amount that may be determined to be owed them, plus accrued interest, pursuant years if they worked 50 percent of the for the local, but we know that he will to these Procedures. B members’ average hours for the be an active pensioner, someone who It is important to know that the vast majority of ILWU represented workers believe that the lit- will be happy to lend his wisdom to our tle extra in dues for maintaining union membership and enjoying all the valuable benefits of full 1969-1973 period. This provision participation in the governing of the ILWU, and the negotiation of working conditions is quite a applied to members in San Francisco, membership. His undying loyalty to bargain. For a few cents more each week, union members enjoy all the benefits of membership Stockton, Port Hueneme and Seattle, the ILWU, its hiring hall and member- in the ILWU. We sincerely believe that after careful consideration, new hires and financial core and was the culmination of 17 years ship has been unmatched over the members too will agree that becoming and remaining a union member makes the most sense. of persistent negotiating. years. It will be the responsibility of If you are not a union member already, please contact the Secretary-Treasurer of the ILWU During his tenure at Local 10, the next generation of longshore work- International or your ILWU local to join the ILWU. Rooker served as dispatcher many ers to follow his example of hard work, This notice may be superseded or amended by later notices as issued by the ILWU, the times, finally making Chief in 1981. He honesty and leadership. Thank you, Coast Pro Rata Committee or affiliated locals and divisions of the ILWU. had a reputation for being hard-nosed, Ralph, for all your work and dedication (rev. Jan 2004) speaking his mind and not being afraid over the years. You will be missed. to tell the PMA representatives when —John Castanho they were screwing things up, whether Secretary-Treasurer Local 10 January 2004 • 11 Santa visits Local 13 Christmas comes to the Local 19 hall

ith Seattle’s economy in a slump, longshore Local 19’s annual holiday W drive faced a special urgency this season. The members and their fam- ilies were determined to respond, and 20 volunteers from ILWU families raised nearly $15,000 to buy presents and food for distressed families. Local 19 set up the ILWU Christmas for Kids Program as a special, tax- exempt foundation to sponsor the annual drives some 20 years ago. Members sign up to donate throughout the year. This year the union had an opportunity to share union solidarity as well as holiday cheer with locked-out Teamsters. Local 19 supported the Darigold creamery workers when the company locked them out last August. Since then the company outsourced 60 driver jobs and eliminated 14 warehouse jobs. In all some 300 Teamsters are out of work and Darigold products are now on the AFL-CIO boycott list. Local 19’s Curt Cunningham and his partner Leona con- tacted Teamsters Local 66 President Mark Jones and asked what their fami- or more than five hours children of locked-out and striking grocery work- lies were doing for Christmas. ers partied Dec. 19 at the longshore Local 13 hall, selecting toys, feasting F “Mark Jones told us some of the Darigold families were going to have a and meeting Santa. This year’s festivities also had a serious side, as Southern pretty bleak Christmas,” Curt Cunningham said. “So we offered to adopt 15 California ILWU locals banded together with pensioners and the Federated families for a Christmas party.” Auxiliary to provide for the children’s families. Local 19 turned their hall into a party room Dec. 19 for 11 of the 15 A six-foot tall stuffed Grinch standing on a pile of coal greeted the children Teamster families. The longshore workers spent about $60 on gifts per family as they arrived. The Dr. Seuss character, who stole Christmas in the famous and provided gift certificates from local grocery stores for their holiday meal. story, wore a sign reading “Corporate Scrooge Steven Burd.” Burd is The four families that couldn’t make it got their presents from their union President and CEO of Safeway. ILWU members wore elf hats and helped the staffers who made sure the gifts were hand-delivered. kids choose presents. The regular work of the ILWU Christmas for Kids Program went on as well. Santa asked William Chavez Feipel to stand in while he finished negotia- Volunteers first consult ministries or social workers who locate truly needy tions with the elves’ and reindeer’s union, who got everything they asked for. families and then deliver the presents. Feipel works as an ID mechanic in his regular job “One of the homes we went to had no presents under the tree and eight “With the ILWU discharging containers loaded with toys from the ships, kids,” Cunningham said. “They looked at us and must have thought ‘who are we have always been Santa Claus on the West Coast,” said Shannon Donato, these people with longshore jackets and big red bags?’ Their faces lit up Director of the Harry Bridges Institute (HBI) and one of the organizers of the when we pulled out the presents and called out each child’s name. They took Adopt a Family program that helps UFCW families. “The union took it upon the presents and put them under the tree.” itself through Local 13 and its ‘Yes We Can’ community involvement program Local 19 members also get the union’s name out and show community to organize the giant toy drive.” involvement. The word went out through the HBI and various locals, pensioners and “Leona and I always wear our longshore colors when we go shopping for auxiliaries to bring unwrapped toys to the hall. the gifts,” Cunningham said. Leona is a past president of ILWU Federated “At the Dec. 8 membership meeting every one of them walked in with a toy Auxiliary 3. “She got in a conversation with an elderly couple and told them or an armload of toys and placed them at the base of the tree,” Donato said. we were shopping for needy kids. They said ‘I didn’t know longshoremen did With 71,000 grocery workers off the job, the need for solidarity has rarely that.’ Well, there’s another convert.” been greater. Warehouse Local 26, marine clerks Local 63, port pilots Local Leona Cunningham reported on another Christmas phenomena, the ben- 68, walking bosses Local 94 and Federated Auxiliary 8 joined Local 13 in mak- efits those who give receive from their actions. Some local kids had a little ing it all happen. Office clerical Local 63 had a party the same day and donat- trouble with the authorities the previous year and were sentenced to do com- ed extra toys to United Food and Commercial Workers locals. munity service. They carried out their stretch with the Christmas program. UFCW workers have been out since Oct. 11, when workers struck “They were completely transformed,” she said. “They were so moved by Safeway-Vons. Ralphs-Kroger and Albertsons, the other companies in the giving to those who had nothing they went and donated their own presents. employers’ bargaining group, locked out their employees in retaliation. They came back this year to volunteer again.” —Tom Price —Tom Price

Local 23 members mobilize for holiday giving “Within a week we had toys coming in,” Charity Committee Chair Dragan Butorac said. “The ID casuals really went above and beyond. They put the push on, they and the travelers brought their toys early and inspired everyone else.” The traveling longshore workers, who came to Tacoma from other ports to work, were happy to donate to a community that was not, technically, their own. Butorac and the committee went to local charities, county welfare agen- cies and other groups known to the local through previous drives. The YWCA and St. Leo’s hospitality kitchen provided names and addresses of needy peo- ple, and the American Legion hooked up the longshore workers with military families distressed by a parent’s deployment in Iraq. Because so many needy people get evicted, the volunteers had to track some of them down to get them their presents. “The toys kept coming in right up to Christmas Eve,” Butorac said. “We sent $200 gift cards from Fred Myers stores for families. That store is a grocery and variety store. We also distributed $50 food cards for 80 families.” Member participation was tremendous, Butorac said. Workers had friend- ly competitions to see who could raise the most money or provide the most bicycles. Some of the money came in $500 and $1,000 chunks from an indi- vidual or a small group.

Kathy Tomandi Kathy With the hall stuffed to the rafters, volunteers worked long and hard sorting he day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year. But presents, loading pickups and driving to the homes of the needy. Local 23 fam- T many people in the Tacoma area could not take part, as the unemployment ilies also found time to take toys to Everett in support of locked-out Teamsters rate rose to 7.2 percent in November. at the Darigold creamery. With local charities feeling the strain, Local 23’s Charity Committee met “In all we had 96 bicycles, about $35,000 in toys and $20,300 in gift cards,” Nov. 28 to figure out what to do about the bleak Christmas faced by needy peo- Butorac said. “The toy drive was the new part and a great success. The mem- ple. Longshore workers are well known in the area for yearlong giving, but this bers, casuals and travelers really came out for this and they deserve all the year they decided to do a special holiday toy drive. credit.” —Tom Price 12 • January 2004

ILWU Book & Video Sale

Books and videos about the ILWU are available from the ORDER BY MAIL union’s library at discounted prices! BOOKS: ___ copies of ILWU Story@ $7 ea. = $______copies of The Big Strike @ $6.50 ea. = $_____ The ILWU Story: unrolls the history of the union from its origins to the present, complete with recollections from the men and women who built the union, in their own words, ___ copies of Workers on the Waterfront @ $16 ea. = $_____ and dozens of rare photos of the union in action. $7.00 ___ copies of The Union Makes Us Strong@ $15 ea. = $_____ The Big Strike By Mike Quin: the classic partisan account of the 1934 strike. $6.50 Workers on the Waterfront: Seamen, Longshoremen, and Unionism in the 1930s ___ copies of A Terrible Anger @ $16.50 ea.= $_____ By Bruce Nelson: the most complete history of the origins, meaning, and impact of the ___ copies of We Are the ILWU @ $5 ea. = $_____ 1934 strike. $13.00 The Union Makes Us Strong: Radical Unionism on the San Francisco Waterfront By ___ copies of Life on the Beam@ $28 ea. = $_____ David Wellman: the important new study of longshoring in the ILWU. $15.00 (paper- ___ copies of The March Inland @ $9 ea.= $_____ back) A Terrible Anger: The 1934 Waterfront and General Strike in San Francisco By Total Enclosed $_____ David Selvin: the newest and best single narrative history about the San Francisco events of 1934. $16.50 No sales outside the U.S. The March Inland: Origins of the ILWU Warehouse Division 1934-1938 By Harvey Schwartz: new edition of the only comprehensive account of the union’s organizing cam- paign in the northern California warehouse and distribution industry. $9.00 Name______

Street Address or PO Box ______VIDEOS: A 30-minute color video introducing the principles and traditions of the We Are the ILWU City ______State______Zip______ILWU. Features active and retired members talking about what the union meant in their lives and what it needs to survive and thrive, along with film clips, historical photos and an original musical score. $5.00 Make check or money order (U.S. Funds) Life on the Beam: A Memorial to Harry Bridges A 17-minute VHS video production by payable to “ILWU” and send to California Working Group, Inc., memorializes Harry Bridges through still photographs, ILWU Library, 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, recorded interviews, and reminiscences. Originally produced for the 1990 memorial serv- CA 94109 ice in San Francisco. $28.00 Prices include shipping and handling. Please allow at least four weeks for delivery. Shipment to U.S. addresses only

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 alco- holism, drug abuse and other problems— and we’re just a phone call away.

ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION

ADRP—Southern California ADRP—Oregon Jackie Cummings Jim Copp Bound Dispatchers for sale 870 West Ninth St. #201 3054 N.E. Glisan, Ste. 2 2003 Edition Now Available! San Pedro, CA 90731 Portland, OR 97232 (310) 547-9966 (503) 231-4882 Beautiful, hardcover collections of The Dispatcher for 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 are now available. ADRP—Northern California ADRP—Washington These are a must for Locals and individuals keeping a George Cobbs Richard Borsheim 400 North Point 506 Second Ave., Rm. 2121 record of the union’s activities. Get your copies of the San Francisco, CA 94133 Seattle, WA 98104 ILWU’s award-winning newspaper while the limited supply (415) 776-8363 (206) 621-1038 lasts. Send a check for $50.00 for each volume (year) to The Dispatcher at: ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION ILWU CANADIAN AREA DARE—Northern California EAP—British Columbia Bound Dispatchers Gary Atkinson Ted Grewcutt 22693 Hesperian Blvd., Ste. 277 745 Clark Drive, Suite 205 c/o The Dispatcher Hayward, CA 94541 Vancouver, BC V5L 3J3 1188 Franklin Street, 4th Floor (800) 772-8288 (604) 254-7911 San Francisco, CA 94109