March 2020 1 out Bothlocations

www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS TRANSITIONS National Conference ILWU delegationjoinMUA CRVS workersrally ILWU Women speakout and economicdisaster COVID-19 becomesmedical to joinILWU Tartine workersvote ILWU InternationalVIcePresident Wes Furtadopasses Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union page 2

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Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800.

M division oftheILWU. men’s Union,themaritime by membersoftheInlandboat- two FossMaritimetugscrewed les. TheMercywasescortedby docked inthePortofLosAnge- together totieuptheshipasit Mercy onMarch27,working heroes onthefrontlineof the supply ics, marineclerksandforemen are 1,000-bed ship. and supportmemberswillstaffthe More than800medicalprofessionals affected bytheCOVID-19pandemic. to focustheirresourcesonpatients tals andmedicalfacilitiesthatneed help lifttheburdenonlocalhospi- ILWU MembersProudly “ILWU longshoremen,mechan - The naval hospital ship will to PortofLosAngeles Welcome USNSMercy welcomed theUSNS Locals 13,63and94 embers ofILWU Pulling together: ILWULocal13linesmentied-upthehospitalshipMercyonMarch27. they playedaroleinmaking sure President MikePodue.“And today, chains strong,”saidILWU Local63 economy robustandoursupply up dayinandouttokeepthe Ray Familathe. kets,” saidILWULocal13President hold goodstotheAmericanmar- ment, pharmaceuticalsandhouse- supplies, personalprotectiveequip- moving criticallyneededmedical home, ILWU members are at work, nians arebeingadvisedtostayat dent WillieAdams. 19,” saidILWUInternationalPresi- efforts tostopthe spread ofCovid- ILWU membersareaidinginthe Angeles isjustoneexampleofhow assistance theILWUprovidedinLos cargo; weareopenforbusiness.The chain. Movingtheeconomy,moving “ILWU membersareshowing “At atimewhenmanyCalifor- DISPATCHER •March 2020 1 out bothlocations. ing handsanitizerstations through- Casual hallstwiceaday,and install- vendor to clean the Longshore and ered inthedispatchhalls,securinga limiting thenumberofpeoplegath- outbreak. Thisworkhasincluded tect membersduringtheCOVID-19 government healthagenciestopro- les andLongBeachallrelevant ners atPMA,thePortsofLosAnge- have worked closely with their part- Miranda, presidentofLocal94. of LosAngelesCounty,”saidDanny lies ofourlocalcommunitiesandall sionals while they careforthefami- supporting ourhealthcareprofes- ing USNSMercytoLosAngelesand our memberswereapartofwelcom- they need.” Angelenos havethemedicalcare

ILWU Locals13,63and94 “We areincrediblyproudthat VOL 78,NO3•MARCH2020

IN MEMORIUM ILWU International VIce President (Hawaii) Wesley Furtado passes t is with great sadness and a worked on and led campaigns to and hotel contract negotiations. His heavy heart that we announce organize workers in Hawaii in vari- most recent campaign and significant the passing of Wesley “Wes” ous industries. In August 1989, he accomplishment was the creation of I was appointed as an International ILWU Local 100 where he organized Furtado, ILWU International Representative. In that capacity, he the supervisors at each of the shipping Vice President, Hawaii. Wes organized many companies, nego- companies in Hawaii and successfully started on the waterfront in tiated numerous, very difficult first negotiated their first contracts. 1978 as a second-generation contracts, and successfully negoti- Vice President Furtado was a Wes is survived by his wife, longshoreman and member of ated many contract renewals. devoted trade unionist who served Marla, and his daughter and son, ILWU Local 142. In 2000, Wes was elected as the ILWU with the highest amount Levana and Kyan. During his time on the water- ILWU International Vice President, of honor and dedication. Wes will There will be an in-depth front, he became a shop steward, Hawaii. Once elected as a Titled Offi- always be “Ohana” to the ILWU article about Wes’ life and accom- longshore unit officer, and longshore cer, he continued to carry the torch by and we will forever remember and plishments in a future edition of negotiating committee member. organizing new hotels in Hawaii and cherish the leadership, humor, and The Dispatcher. As a rank and file organizer, Wes providing support during longshore kindness that was Vice President Wesley Furtado. Tartine Bakery workers favor ILWU Randy C. Vekich lmost 200 Tartine Bakery two-dozen ballots had to be chal- munity members are responding Los Angeles where Tartine Bianca As The Dispatcher was workers participated in lenged and have yet to be tallied. generously to help Tartine workers. closed last December 19, after losing Aboutgoing two-thirds to press, of wethe learnedchallenged large sums of money. Bay Area work- a pair of union elections Artists help campaign A ballotsthat appear longtime to involveILWU leaderimpropri - ers say they need a union to negoti- held in the Bay Area on March Two renowned Bay Area artists etiesRandy - either becauseC. Vekich they werehad cast ate fairly with the Tartine’s corporate are donating their work to support 12 and 13, where a majority by supervisorspassed in earlyor by December. newly-hired culture. One of Tartine’s bakeries, at the fundraising drive. David Solnit signaled support for the ILWU. employeesThe March who had2020 never issue worked will a San Francisco’s International Airport, has created 100 autographed post- full shift.include Federal an obituary law prohibits honor either- already is represented by a union. Targeted by union-busters ers that will be available to the first grouping from his voting.life and contribu- The largest group of workers at donors who give $100 or more. Pho- tions to the ILWU. three San Francisco bakery locations NLRB will decide tographer David Bacon is donating a were targeted by management who A hearing will be conducted by series of signed art photos that will deployed professional union busters the National Labor Relations Board, be auctioned online to honor the that forced employees into manda- to review each of the two-dozen chal- workers’ union drive and the com- tory captive-audience meetings over lenged ballots, relying on facts and munity support effort. a period of four weeks prior to the evidence to make a final decision. Tartine goes corporate March 12 vote. A separate group of Community support remains key 18 Tartine Bakery workers in Berke- The original Tartine Bakery on ley had no contact with anti-union A few days after the elections, 18th and Guerrero Street in San Fran- consultants and voted unanimously Tartine management announced cisco became a sensation when it for the union. widespread layoffs at all four Bay Area opened years ago, triggering long lines Company pads voter rolls locations. Within days, union sup- of loyal patrons who loved the artisan porters organized a “Go Fund Me” bread and pastries. In recent years, The ballot count at those loca- site https://www.gofundme.com/f/Tar- Tartine became more corporate, open- tions showed workers prevail- tine-union-hardship-fund where coming a chain of outlets overseas and in ing for the union by 89 to 85, but

Artist David Solnit and photographer David Bacon have donated their work Voting union: Tartine workers in San Francisco celebrating after their union election. to the relief efforts.

ILWU TITLED OFFICERS Craig Merrilees William E. Adams, President The Dispatcher (ISSN 0012-3765) is published monthly except for a combined July/Aug issue, for $5.00 a year and $10.00 a year for non-members by the ILWU, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, Communications Director and Managing Editor Bobby Olvera, Jr., Vice President, Mainland CA 94109. Periodical postage paid at San Francisco, CA. The Dispatcher welcomes letters, Roy San Filippo Wesley Furtado, Vice President, Hawaii photos and other submissions to the above address © ILWU, 2012. Postmaster: Send address Editor Edwin Ferris, Secretary-Treasurer changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800.

2 DISPATCHER • March 2020 COVID19 becomes a medical and economic disaster s The Dispatcher was going to press in March, Athe COVID19 virus had become a global pandemic, claiming 27,000 lives world- wide and making the US the most-afflicted nation on earth with 185,000 confirmed cases and a domestic death toll of 3,800 and rising. Washington State and California are the West Coast hotspots, but the COVID19 virus has now spread to all 50 states. Eighty-percent of Americans are living under “shelter-in-place” orders issued by state governors after the federal government failed to act. President Trump ignored advice from public health experts to prepare ahead and act early. Instead, the Presi- dent delayed and minimized the threat until the virus spread throughout the United States and shortages of venti- Healthcare workers at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA protest lack of personal protective equipment lators and face masks led to chaos in available in the U.S. hospitals - forcing doctors, nurses and other health workers to be needlessly Painful history lesson and malaria – many of which were elim- fication, plus farm and nutrition pro- infected. Public health officials have long inated through battles for better hous- grams that helped both rural and urban As usual, workers were paying the advocated for strategies to prevent ing, clean water and sanitation, univer- Americans. highest price for incompetence at the sal public education and voting rights. disease, beginning at the turn of the Bi-partisan agreement top, with record-breaking numbers 20th century when most workers and Many progressive labor organizers saw For 75 years after Franklin Roos- filing unemployment claims, and the their families lived near open sew- public health advocates as natural allies evelt’s administration, presidents from prospect of widespread evictions, fore- ers and drank water contaminated by because both were fighting to improve both parties have supported pub- closures and mounting personal debt. human waste and industrial pollution. conditions for the entire working lic health programs, including ones Scientists had to fight to be heard over class, most of whom lived in wretched Trump cuts protection designed to stop disease outbreaks in objections from factory owners who conditions and faced lethal diseases on Today’s disaster has roots going other countries from spreading around resisted reform efforts. Opportunist a daily basis – when not working in back two years, to February 1, 2018 - the globe and threatening America. the day that President Trump slashed politicians inflamed public fear with factories filled with children who Pay a little now or lot later vital programs at the Centers for Dis- racist appeals against the so-called labored in dangerous conditions. ease Control and Prevention. Those “moral-failings” of various racial and Conservative labor leaders at the time The COVID19 pandemic is far from programs were created to stop epi- ethnic groups of workers who were were of little help - often aligning them- over, but some lessons are already clear: demics in 39 high-risk countries, blamed for spreading disease, includ- selves with racist politicians who deliv- • Preventing a pandemic is much including China. ing African-Americans, Chinese, Mex- ered crumbs of patronage in exchange easier than battling one that’s out icans, Irish and Italians. for votes and bribes. of control. Key programs eliminated Roosevelt’s public health plan • Strong and decisive governmental The programs Trump cut were Labor & public health together It seems obvious today that sani- By the time Franklin Roosevelt took action is required to fight a part of a global health security effort, pandemic. designed to stop dangerous disease tary sewage systems and clean drinking office in 1933 during the Great Depres- outbreaks in other countries before water are cornerstones of public health sion, many cities had installed sanitary • A poorly-managed pandemic they reach the US. The program trained and disease prevention, but it was far sewers and cleaner water systems. Pub- causes enormous harm to workers and their families. front-line workers how to detect dan- from obvious at the beginning of the lic health departments with nurses were gerous outbreaks and improved local 20th Century. It took a movement, on city payrolls. New disease preven- With thousands of ILWU members laboratory and emergency response led by a coalition of labor organizers, tion measures included immunizations, now out of work because of Trump’s teams where the risk of disease was immigrant rights workers, doctors and quarantines, nutritional education for bungled COVID19 response, attention highest. The goal is to stop future scientists, and outraged women - who new mothers and other efforts to help will soon shift to the November elec- outbreaks at their source to prevent along with African Americans - had children. All these and more programs tion, where his handling of the pan- small outbreaks from becoming global no rights to vote or hold public office. exploded under Roosevelt’s “New Deal” demic response could be a key factor pandemics. These reformers led campaigns against programs that built thousands of parks, for many voters. a long list of diseases including typhoid, playgrounds, water treatment and sew- polio, tetanus, diphtheria, scarlet fever age plants, flood control, rural electri-

How to help Local 5 members impacted by Coronavirus Hundreds of ILWU Local 5 members working at Powell’s Books in Portland were laid off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has forced many retail businesses to close temporarily. The company is not providing any severance, continuation of health coverage or other measures to help lessen the impact of the closure on workers. In repose to the closure, Local 5 issued the following statement: “In ILWU Local 5, the union representing Powell’s Books employees since 1999, appreciates the decision to close the retail locations of the bookstore. The safety of workers and customers is always of paramount concern, especially given the current global pandemic. As with most emergencies, those that suffer the most are workers and marginalized communities. We do not believe this to be appropriate or fair and in this moment we continue to urge all Employers, including Powell’s Books, to continue to support workers in any and every way possible. The loss of profit is nothing compared to the lifelong trauma such a loss of income and benefits are likely to have for individuals. ILWU has a long time saying we live by: “An Injury to One Is An Injury To All”. We call upon all to make this moment count and support everyone in our community in every way we can.” Local 5 members working at Aramark and Growing Seeds are also experiencing layoffs and some veterinary pet care workers are having their hours cut. You can contribute directly to the ILWU Local 5 Coronavirus worker relief fund at https://bit.ly/2wXrYHh or by visiting the Local 5 website at https://ilwulocal5.com/

DISPATCHER • March 2020 3 Donna Domingo Local 142 President I am proud to have served ILWU Local 142 in a leadership capacity for the past 25 years. I made the decision to run for Local Vice President in 2003. A woman in leadership at this level was unprecedented, but I felt empowered to run any- way because at that point I had held many positions at both the unit and Local level and knew ILWU the importance of teamwork; in the union, nobody does anything alone. Even though my decision to run drew attention for many reasons, Women like the fact that I was a woman and from the tourism industry (all Local 142 Titled Officers up until that point had come from the sugar industry), I managed to be elected to the seat of Vice President and served there for three terms. There were so many challenges I faced as the first woman to ever hold this seat, but I knew the importance speak out of breaking this barrier and did not want to let anyone down. I relied Patricia Aguirre constantly on the power of collaboration and learned time and again the importance of communicating with others so the best of everyone Local 63 Business Agent can be brought forward. I entered the industry during In 2012, I ran and was elected to the seat of Local President. In that a transitional period where role, I once again found myself only being as good as the efforts of women were the minority in everyone around me, from the Titled Officers and Division Directors a male-centric industry. There of Local 142 to its members. I owe a debt of gratitude not so much to was still resentment towards the impact of one mentor in particular, as I do the security I always felt women in the ranks from the from representing a whole and the underlying democracy of all our men. As a woman, I felt I had to protocols. To any woman who wants to break barriers in her organi- prove myself capable of doing zation, I would encourage her to do so not just for herself but for the longshore work. With every chal- difference she believes she can make. And to know that kind of inten- lenge I have encountered in my 22 tion will always find support in this union. years as a member of the ILWU, I have been able to learn and grow Viri Gomez as a woman and as a leader and Local 519, Young earn the respect of my male coun- terparts. The ILWU has afforded Worker me the opportunity to evolve and My husband was a big influ- has taught me to find my voice, ence in my life to be an activ- express it and to empower other ist. When I first started on the members. waterfront, I had heard about My parents were both proud members of the ILWU. My mother some of the history of the labor showed me the strength a woman can have; she helped to lay the foun- movement and it all seemed so dation for what it was to be a leader in the ILWU before I was even a boring. I was there for a pay- member. In the early 90’s she stood up for her rights to organize into check. But when I went to the the union. She along with one other worker put up a picket line. She first Young Workers’ Confer- is now a retired Local 63 OCU member and I cannot tell you how very ence and saw what the ILWU proud I am to have her in my life. My father, a walking boss, had a stands for—what our ancestors no-nonsense approach to work which guided my work ethic. He had a had to do for us to get all of the quote he used to recite: “I am a great believer in luck, the harder I work, wages and benefits that we have the luckier I am.” I guess I got lucky. My father hired me as an estimator now—I felt like I could be a part of that. I could leave a legacy. They in his shop, that was no small thing. He is no longer with us but I know did so much for us, I needed to do something in return. One of my he was proud of me. biggest accomplishments was to help start a Young Workers Com- The development of ILWU educational workshops and being a mittee in my local union. I also got to be a part of the ILWU Cana- mentor to those seeking guidance is what I am the proudest of. The da’s Young Workers Committee. That gave me a voice and visibility. workshops put on by the Coast Longshore Education Committee, Griev- Before that, I was just another person working in a small port in the ance and Arbitration Procedure (GAP) workshops and History and northern part of Canada. Traditions workshops. My committee is the essence of what the ILWU One of my goals and challenges is how can I influence more young stands for: representatives of the longshore locals small and large from workers? How can I attract more workers to be more active? Also, how up and down the West Coast with a variety of experience and talent can I be a better leader? How can I listen and learn? whose teamwork contributes to our success. All of my experiences in the I met Joulene Parent once and saw how active she was. I wanted ILWU merge and contribute to my leadership as a Business Agent. When to be her. How does she manage to be everywhere and be present at I see in a member’s face or hear in their voice over the phone that “aha every event? She was one of my inspirations for being an activist. moment” where they get how they can work out an issue about the job As a Youth Representative on the ITF Dockers Section, Youth Com- or with the employer or our members, this brings me a sense of accom- mittee, I went to Sri Lanka. There was a round table of the first women plishment. crane operators in Sri Lanka. That made me realize how easy it is to To quote the History and Traditions conference: we are the “Care- take for granted how privileged I am living in a First World country. takers of a Great Inheritance.” It is our job to empower those around I am a woman and I have rights. I can fight for my rights if I am not us and pay it forward utilizing the tools our for fathers have left us; our being treated with justice because the law protects me. The Sri Lankan contract, the 10 Guiding Principles and the adherence to the Four Objec- dockworkers were being harassed. They were underpaid and were not tives of the ILWU. The Union has given us an incredible legacy to pass being treated with respect. It is very important for women to support on, you must be fierce, unafraid, willing to teach but most importantly other women. We have a lot of rights but not every woman around willing to learn. the world has that. And not everyone is aware of the fights that other sisters in other unions have to fight. If we all get together, we can support each other and accomplish good things. Have more sympathy and try to look farther than what you can see.

4 DISPATCHER • March 2020 Luisa Gratz • Sister Luisa Gratz is the longest standing president of any ILWU local as the leader of Local 26 for almost 30 years. She has taught me Local 26 President so much in the 20 years that I have known her. One of the most sig- After my son was born, I got a nificant ideals that she instilled in me is to always put the membership job in a wire factory in East Los first in every decision that I make. She taught me this years ago, and Angeles. I had to take two buses to this day, before doing anything union-related, I always ask myself a each way to work. I was one of two series of questions to determine how my actions will affect the mem- women in the shop and we did the bership. She taught me to never back down or out of a tough fight, welding. The men ran the lathes. and to never give up when I know in my heart that I am doing the One day, one of our co-workers right thing. was killed on the job. I didn’t know • Our late Brother Dave Arian had a tremendous impact on my much Spanish and my other co- development as a union leader. I affectionately refer to him as my workers didn’t know much English “union father” in appreciation for the 20 years of advice that he but we were able to communicate poured into me. Dave took great care in guiding my union walk and enough to sign union cards. I called helping me identify opportunities of service both in and out of the the ILWU and I called the UE. The UE union. He taught me to consider every possible option and to analyze called me back. Word got out to management and they called me into the every potential outcome. His wisdom about worldly issues that affect office. They investigated me and had discovered that I had an engineering the labor movement and our community still echo around me. background and reassigned me to layout a new factory for an adjacent I am eternally grateful to both of them for the gifts of their per- property they had just bought. They threatened to fire me if I didn’t accept sonal friendship and professional mentorship. They both served key the reassignment. I knew what they were doing. They wanted me out of roles in my development and journey as an effective union leader. My that shop and on top of that, they were getting an engineering job done goal is to pay that forward by being a loyal friend and knowledgeable for minimum wage. The day I finished my drawing was the day of the mentor to my sisters and brothers. union election. The union won and I got fired. The union asked if I wanted I am very proud of the good reputation that the quality of my work my job back and I said no. The union later got a contract. has on the docks, in the boardroom, and in office. Many people consider Then in early 1968 got a job at Max Factor which was an ILWU Local my election as the first female Benefits Officer of Local 13 to be a big deal, 26 shop. They would not allow women in the maintenance department, but I think it is a bigger deal that I am regarded as someone who serves warehouse or the compounding department. They would not promote the membership responsibly with integrity and humility. It does not mat- Black workers in maintenance either, so we had that fight and finally ter what my title is, it only matters that my sisters and brothers trust that I through an arbitration got a Black mechanic promoted to a lead posi- am doing a good job working with them, and working for them. tion. Women were not allowed to bid into the warehouse or com- I encourage sisters to get involved early and intentionally. There is pounding department but we were able to overturn that through the something for everyone in our great union. Women should take stock grievance process. I also negotiated an apprenticeship program for the of their abilities and interests and then apply them within their respec- maintenance department and got three women trained as mechanics. tive locals. As long as women build each other up and support each I was recruited and elected steward there and after two years, I was other, the ILWU will continue to flourish as a place where women are elected to the Local 26 Executive Board. I wasn’t looking to get involved respected for their contributions, and entrusted with leadership. at the time. I didn’t want to run for anything but the members of the union kept telling me I had to run. I was talked into running for Business Joulene Parent Agent when there was a vacancy after the BA retired. Then in 1984 I was Local 500 Executive elected President of the local. I’ve received mentoring and There is such inequality in this country that the work of the unions support from a number of becomes very challenging just to squeeze a few pennies from a person people. A wise person said, who has millions of dollars. How much is enough for CEOs while work- “show me your friends and the ers struggle to pay their bills every month? people around you and I’ll show What my life is and what I do is a reflection of the city and coun- you, your future.” So it’s impor- try. The companies that Local 26 used to represent were manufacturing tant to choose mentors wisely, companies, mining companies, auto parts and more that contributed to and quite frankly, sometimes they our infrastructure, to our schools, to emergency care. Much like in the choose you. Equally important is rest of the country, those jobs have gone away, thanks to automation to not just rely on one person. As and trade deals like NAFTA that have made offshoring of jobs easier with our union, our strength is and more profitable. in the collective wisdom of those I’ve been lucky that the members have asked me to stay. I’ve stayed around us. Near and far. From because I believe in the preamble of the ILWU Constitution. I’ve stayed our Local 500 pensioners, Barry focused on the membership and keeping the local functioning and Campbell, Ted Grewcutt, Chuck defending our health plan and pensions that are threatened by auto- Zuckerman, Tom Dufresne. From mation and job loss. It’s not about me, it’s about we. Local 514, a number of Gems: who I’m sure want to remain nameless. From our local Labour com- Vivian Malauulu, munity: Joey Hartman, who is our past Vancouver District Labour Presi- Local 13 Benefits dent, and from the ILWU Women: Donna Domingo, Cynthia Brooke, Angela Talic, Vanessa Neilson, as well numerous Young Workers, past Officer and present. Showing up, IS support, so I want to thank each and None of the challenges I’ve everyone of them, for showing up! faced on the waterfront have I remember meeting a woman while flying. She was a tall stunning had anything to do with my woman of color, and was flipping through the magazine mid-air. She ability to get any job done, then stated,”Oh my! Thats me! I helped work on that!” She was part but rather with resistance for of the NASA crew. I then asked her, how she got to be where she is. doing it. Women who speak up “Did you just have good friends and support?” I asked, and stand out are often faced with “Nah girl,” she said, It’s all basic math. There are always those who resistance. When one woman suc- want to take from you, your time, energy resources, even your man… ceeds, all women succeed and the and then there are those who want to add, or multiply to your life. They road ahead becomes more man- are introducing you to friends that add to your life, or the potential to ageable, tolerable, and welcom- multiply whatever it is joy, love, dedication, education. I just chose to sur- ing for the rest of us. round myself with the adders and multipliers, and get rid of the rest.” The mentoring that I have received over the years has shaped me We of the ILWU have that potentiality. Add. Multiply. Our wild into the union sister that I am today. It is noteworthy to mention that cards are the ITF, Local District Labour Councils, Young Workers, Pen- studying the mistakes that others have made is just as valuable – if not sioners and community allies. We have the recipe and we have the more – as studying their successes. I have personally had the great foundation to put it into action with our constitution and bylaws. fortune of getting advice from solid rank-and-filers since my early days When we know this, it cannot be taken from us by the employer, as a casual. There are dozens, hundreds possibly, of individuals who government, etc. They can try, but we do our multiplication when we have influenced me as a longie and as a leader. There are two indi- Educate, Agitate, and Organize. The Best math of all. viduals who stand out: continued on page 6 DISPATCHER • March 2020 5 CRVS workers and supporters rally in ILWU the rain Women orkers at Columbia The animal care workers took River Veterinary Spe- turns practicing on the bullhorn, lead- cialists are serious ing chants and calling out the company W to improve conditions. continued from page 5 speak out about improving the working A growing number of veterinary An accomplishment I am proud of was amplifying the Story of the conditions and patient care at hospitals – including CRVS – are Bows and Arrows, the original Indigenous workers on the Waterfront. their animal hospital – so spirits at now owned by national corporations, I’ve had the opportunity to share this, locally at the Pacific Northwest their rally on February 15 weren’t including PetVet, formed in 2012 Labour History Conference, as well as abroad at the Summer Institute damped by the downpour. with headquartered in Connecticut of Union Women. It is important to pay respects to the original land “We’ve got more important prob- and 125 locations around the country. keepers, whose descendants are still working among us. lems than a little rain,” said Kat Ben- Five years later in 2017, PetVet was Another accomplishment collectively our union got involved with nett, who is a Veterinary Technician acquired by the Wall Street hedge fund the Canada’s side of ’United Way Tampon Tuesday Campaign’. Angela at the hospital where workers voted KKR, in a leveraged buyout. Talic was the Executive at the time and was involved in it, on behalf overwhelmingly to join the ILWU and The CRVS workers’ bargaining of the local. She asked others to get involved and I said yes. . The cam- are now negotiating their first union team met recently to finalize their paign has since rebranded itself as Period Promise, and has been suc- contract. updated wage proposal. They told cessful because of the labour movement. It was our collective voice The rally in front of the animal PetVet that picketing would be sus- blended with lobbying local governments. It has been so successful. hospital was well-attended and people pended while management considers Now many local schools and communities offer these products free. were in high spirits despite the rain. the proposas they consider their next Workers shouldn’t have to decide between food and other basic Besides the good showing the CRVS offer. Depending on the company’s necessities for that month or getting menstrual products. Saying “Yes” workers, additional support came from response, workers may decide to esca- when the Union/ Community needs help, makes me feel good. the members of the National Veterinary late further with another rally where Professionals Union, Jobs with Justice, news media are invited. Other ideas Andrea Stevenson, Welfare Director the Inlandboatmen’s Union, ILWU are also in the works in case addi- Washington State ILWU-PMA Benefit Plans Local 40, the Young Workers Commit- tional steps are needed. Being a third-generation long- tee at Local 23 in Tacoma, ILWU Local ““The power dynamic between shore person was never Plan 5, #TeamNWVS and the Communica- big corporations and workes is enor- A for me. When Plan B pre- tions Workers of America. mous, but unionizing has given us a sented itself, I took the opportu- Special guests included doctors voice at the negotiating table and made nity to take my father’s book in who work at the hospital and are sup- a big difference,” says Mary Gregory, a Surgical Instrument Tech. “We’ve 1992 under the permissive rule. porting the effort to improve condi- made progress and gained improve- Now my experiences as a long- tions inside the facility, along with for- ments through our negotiations – and shore worker hold the deepest, mer CRVS employees. we have solid support from the profes- most sincere part of my heart and “We held signs, chanted and waved sional staff, our clients and so many soul. The ILWU means everything to all the drivers who were incredibly groups in the community. I’m excited to me. I went full throttle, became friendly as they passed by,” said Annie about what the contract will ultimately active in union politics and have Pressler, Veterinary Technician. “They mean for our workplace.” held many elected union posi- showed support by honking their tions, such as Local President, horns and sometimes even gave us a Business Agent, Executive Board, raised fist in solidarity.” Labor Relations, Trustee and Dis- patcher. Now I’m the Area Wel- fare Director in Washington state for the ILWU-PMA Benefit Plans. I now can help members who raised me up in this industry for the past 28 years. My job is very rewarding, challenging and fast moving. I started with longshore “lingo” and training. There was no active training in 1992. I remember someone yelling at me to “go get a “bombcart,” and I thought, “what’s a bombcart?” I remember my first job driving a semi at Pier 5 in Seattle with no ear plugs. I picked the worst semi available and drove it for 8 hours. The seat didn’t move forward, there was no two-way radio, and the foreman would just yelling over the ship’s rail and waving paperwork around. I couldn’t tell if he was yelling at me or the guy behind me. My ears were ringing because of the noise and I could not hear a thing! I have plenty of stories but this memory makes me laugh when I think how far we’ve come. I’m so grateful for my uncle John Finne who literally begged me just to try the work. I appreciate John Wimbish who taught me how to drive semi. He said, “Turn towards the turn!” From that day forward, I could back containers up anywhere. I have to thank Ron Crabtree, Joe Toro, Al Meeds, Al Barnes, Mike Snyder, Joe Ross, John Ross and Ted Farrison; all of whom took the time to show me how to work safely. And thank you Bob McEllrath who taught me, “Sometimes you may be the only one at the table who believes in your opinion and that’s ok, you stand by your opinion.” Women on the waterfront are definitely becoming more active in politics as well as various union committees. I’m very happy to see that, but not because they’re women – I’m happy to see anyone who Community support: Despite the wet conditions, veterinary doctors joined steps up and gets involved on behalf of the ILWU. As the Washington with members of the community to support workers at Columbia River Veterinary Benefits Coordinator, my phone now rings every day with the craziest Specialists who are organizing to improve working conditions and patient care. situations. There have been several times that I helped a woman sort out a complicated mess, which is the next step to understanding union politics. If I can’t help, I look for an answer. The short of it is, I am willing to help anyone, man or woman. continued on page 8

6 DISPATCHER • March 2020 ILWU delegation builds solidarity at international rank-and-file conference in Australia LWU International officers led like Presidential candidate Bernie Sand- Presentation: a delegation to the Maritime ers, attacked policies led by conserva- A gift of Aboriginal art Union of Australia’s National tive governments in Australia and other was presented on the last I nations that have allowed elites to flour- night of the conference Conference during the first week by International Secre- ish at the expense of the 99 percent. of March. The event attracted tary-Treasurer Ed Ferris “How is it that a handful of bil- (left) and Vice-President over 500 rank and file union lionaires have come to own half of the (Mainland) Bobby Olvera, delegates, including Interna- world’s wealth,” he asked. Jr., with pensioner Rich Austin, at the podium. tional President Willie Adams, “Two thousands of the world’s bil- Vice President (Mainland) Bobby lionaires now have more money than Olvera Jr., Secretary-Treasurer 4.6 billion men and women on this Ed Ferris, Local 13 Secretary planet,” he said. “Our health care is Treasurer Mark Williams, Local being privatized, our communities 19 President Rich Austin Jr., Lo- are being privatized and the water we drink is being privatized.” cal 22 member Jairus Brenneise, “Workers face poverty, war and Local 23 President Jared Faker virus pandemics. They face fire and along with members John Stagg flood induced by climate change. Poli- and Brock Graber, and longtime ticians have failed us, shipping is dereg- pensioner Rich Austin. ulated, ports are being privatizeded. The land we stand on was just burnt Quadrennial Conference to the ground after indigenous people The MUA Conference is held every successfully nurtured it for centuries.” four years and includes a tradition of “The conservative government in inviting the ILWU and other maritime our country and many others has disre- unions from around the globe. It’s part garded global warming because the big of a solidarity tradition that pre-dates the end of the town doesn’t want anything MUA’s 2018 affiliation with Australia’s to stand in the way of their profits,” he Construction Forestry, Maritime, Min- said. Crumlin concluded by calling for ing and Energy Union. With the MUA a “just transition” that provides work- now one of four CFMEU Divisions, their ers with good-paying jobs in renewable combined forces now total over 144,000 industries. workers. That’s still just one-percent of Australia’s workforce, but the union’s MUA National President Christy power is magnified by their militant Cain spoke, using the conference theme stance against injustice and advocacy for of Tjungu to explain their effort to con- the country’s working class. solidate Australia’s militant unions into has turned the ITF into a fighting inter- a tighter federation. Understanding “Tjungu” national force for the rights and justice “We amalgamated for a number of the international working class.” The conference theme was Tjungu, of reasons but the main reason was ILWU International President Willie a word used by native people living strength,” he said. “We are one pow- in the continent’s western deserts, as Adams took the podium to explain erful union that is proud to lead the the struggle in the U.S., emphasizing a way to express the idea of unity and struggle for the working class in this coming together. the need to “look forward” and “build country.” strong bonds of solidarity.” The MUA has made a determined A similar theme was sounded by effort in recent years to embrace the Adams said “the MUA confer- nation’s Council of Trade Unions Sec- ence came at a watershed moment cause of native Australians and address retary Sally McMannus. She posed a the many injustices they have suffered. in the history of unions around the series of tough questions: “How come globe. There was a strong presence The union created a new position hundreds of unions across the globe. He there is so much wage theft? Why do from North American unions includ- on their Executive Board for a National noted the challenge of automation that we have record low wage growth? Why ing the ILWU and ILA. There was good Indigenous Officer, currently held by threatens drivers, dockworkers, ware- is inequality getting worse? Maybe it’s dialogue, painful conversations and native leader Thomas Mayor. house workers and others in millions of because 50% of Australian workers solidarity from the ITF, IDC, MUA, jobs that could disappear with no con- “Tjungu is unity,” he said. “That’s used to have a union and no only 15 Maritime Union of New Zealand and cern for workers and their families. also how we’ve fought-off conservative percent do.” She said a series of con- Dutch Dockers Union, the FNV.” governments and fought for workers’ servative governments had ripped Together with Paddy Crumlin, who “It’s about moving forward,” said rights,” apart worker protections and attacked also serves as ITF President, Cotton says Adams, ”and not looking in the rear- unions without mercy. the ITF network has launched a more Delegates were welcomes to the view mirror. For the first time, we were militant strategy to fight for workers’ Conference by Yugambeh Traditional Manus also blamed billionaires all under the same roof and had to get rights globally – a move that’s attracting Landowners of the Gold Coast, MUA in Australia for threatening to destroy over ourselves.” Adams thanked mem- more unions to join the organization. National Secretary Paddy Crumlin rose democracy, comparing the tycoons in bers of the ILWU delegation for their to remind everyone about the appall- her country with ones in America who “The global supply chain is where participation and show of solidarity. ing treatment experienced by Austra- are also buying elections with unlim- we need to strengthen our position,” The conference adjourned on lia’s indigenous people. ited campaign spending. said Cotton. “We supported Paddy to March 6 after four full days of meetings. “After 200 years of genocide, mur- An even broader perspective was change the face of ITF. We wanted to der, imprisonment, taking away your offered by Steve Cotton, General Sec- capture the MUA spirit and bring that rights, it is up to our generation to retary of the International Transport to a global labor movement. We now set things right,” he said – reaffirming Workers Federation that links together have nearly 20 million members – the the union’s support for constitutional highest in years. ” changes supported jointly by native Crumlin, in his remarks, said the groups and the MUA.. fight against corporate greed must be “We don’t want any more deaths front and center. in custody or stolen children stripped “We took-on Chevron on with our from their families and cultures,” he Western Australia comrades,” he said. said. “What we are meaning to do this “We went after that company and made week is to come together with one them pay up a $800M tax bill,” he added. voice, in the spirit of Tjungu that reso- “Steve and I put action back in the MUA National President Christy Cain nates here and beyond.” called on every delegate in the room ITF, not just words,” said Crumlin. to educate, agitate and organise, Crumlin, who sounded at times “Together with the ILWU, the MUA organise, organise. DISPATCHER • March 2020 7 A Helping Hand...... when you need it most. That’s what we’re all about. We ILWU are the representatives of the ILWU- sponsored recovery programs. We provide professional and confidential assis- Women tance to you and your family for alcoholism, drug abuse and other problems—and we’re just a phone call away. continued from page 6 speak out Dawn Des Brisay ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION ADRP—Oregon ILWU Local 40 ADRP—Southern California Brian Harvey Tamiko Love 5201 SW Westgate Dr. #207 It was difficult being a woman 29000 South Western Ave., Ste 205 on the waterfront in the Portland, OR 97221 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (503) 231-4882 beginning, I was 24-years old, (310) 547-9966 when I entered the industry in ADRP—Washington 1986 through the Child of the ADRP—Northern California Donnie Schwendeman Hunny Powell Deceased Program. At the time, 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. #503 [email protected] Local 8’s membership consisted of Tacoma, WA 98424 400 North Point (253) 922-8913 hundreds of men and 11 women. San Francisco, CA 94133 The older men had definite views (415) 776-8363 about a women’s role, which ILWU CANADA didn’t include women working on ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION EAP—British Columbia the waterfront. Even when I didn’t DARE—Northern California John Felicella feel accepted, I knew the ILWU was fundamentally rooted in loyalty and Teamsters Assistance Program 3665 Kingsway, Ste 300 brotherhood. As the years passed, the union became more inclusive and 300 Pendleton Way Vancouver, BC V5R 5WR progressive. I feel fortunate to be a part of that growth. Oakland, CA 94621 (604) 254-7911 There have been several people who have supported and encour- (510) 562-3600 aged me along the way but probably the most significant event happened in 2002, when President Spinoza and Coast Committeeman TRANSITIONS Joe Wenzl asked if I would join the ILWU Legislative Action Commit- tee. That appointment changed the trajectory of my career and I will NEW PENSIONERS: Doran; Ronald Gardner; Local 32: always be grateful for that. Local 10: Jesse O. Kirk; Local 12: Marvin Shoultz; Local 34: Alfred C. In 2008, I organized the field effort for the Labor 2008 election pro- Kenneth D. Willsey, Jr.; Local 13: Inserra; Ronald N. Labuzan; Local 50: Richard E. Wood; Maria R. Sanchez; Raymond Hakala; Local 52: Robert G. gram. The ILWU sent a total 50 members and pensioners to five battle- Javier P. Solorio; Francisco R. Everitt; Local 63: Ernest V. La Cour; ground states to work on the election. This was my first big project. Magana;Linnea J. La Mont; Oscar A. Local 63: Theresa P. Garrity; Local Working closely with the Coast Longshore Division, ILWU members and Quiroz; Local 23: Eliot B. Johnson; 91: Deborah A. Dean; Local 92: pensioners, we won all five battleground senate seats and helped to Joseph L. Sullivan; Local 63: Richard Valentin M. Rickert; Robert W. M. Holbert; Anita M. Belizaire; Breaker; Local 94: Richard Bautista; elect President Obama. It was a rewarding experience. Maureen C. Meadows; DECEASED SURVIVOR: The best advice I received was to get involved. Run for office, join DECEASED PENSIONERS: Local 10: La Vaughn L. Estrada; Eile a committee, participate in the labor community. Because you never Local 8: Robert A. Monroe (Marian); Pursell-Volp; Local 12: Wanda L. know where it will lead. In my case it gave me a voice, a stronger rela- Local 10: Marco Padovano; Johnny Lindquist; Local 13: Maria S. Valdez; Austin; Don R. Wallace; Lucio Machin; Dolores L. Schilling; Frances Dileva; tionship with my peers and a working knowledge of the union. Local 13: Ronald Nagato; James A. Local 19: Gloria Brown; Local 21: All members, women and men alike, are encouraged to get in- Woerner; Joe B. Di Massa; Henry Garcia; Donna R. Massey Craft; Local 23: volved. Our diverse talents will advance the best interest of Edward K. Kapu; Jesus Z. Ramirez; Roberta M. Smith; Ilene F. Norton; Mike A. Cabrera; Edward M. Kearney; Local 40: Kathryn Nealeigh; Kathleen the ILWU. Local 19: Tommie D. Morrison; Love Adams; Local 46: Maria S. Mendez; V. Fields; Local 23: Larry S. Johnson; Local 50: Betty A. Van Osdol; Local Gerald L. Perrin; Local 24: Bobby R. 63: Rosalind Capalia; Local 94: Rose Allen (Diane); Local 27: Dale D. Albano;

8 DISPATCHER • March 2020