www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS ILWU BOOKS&VIDEO TRANSITIONS 8 Holiday Giftuide 7 G. JohnnyParkspasses Portland longshore leader, Social Security, Medicare Deficit commissiontargets LETTERS TODISPATCHER 2 East Coastlongshoreworkersjoinedby community inactionagainstFreshDel Monte Produce.page5 Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union DISPATCHER 8 5 4 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., , CA 94109-6800. F Feeding ourcommunity: to low-incomefamilies. to theevent. donated theirlaborandtheLocal1363 MemorialAssociationsdonateduseoftheirfacilities Pensioners group, Local8.26securityguards and FederatedAuxiliary the Southern event was once again a success thanks to the generous donations from members of Local 13, 63, 94, Association ofPlumbersand Pipefit- were alsogiventofamiliesfrom United a non-unioncontractor. Fifty baskets ington, CAbecausethecompany hired back at the Tesoro refinery in Wilm- bers whoarefightingtogettheirjobs the Local 13A (Allied Division) mem- Tonson said.Basketswerealsogivento zations who serve low income families,” Help forlowincomefamilies “The donationsbenefited65organi - program wasabletodistribute1,500turkeysfamiliesstruggling inthesetoughtimes.The basket giveawaywhichbenefitsneedyfamiliesthroughout the LosAngelesarea. Thisyearthe or thepast13years,Local13’s LisaTonson hasbeencoordinating theThanksgivingturkey A helpinghandin hard times The13thAnnualFeedtheCommunityDaydistributed1,500Thanksgivingbaskets for bothevents. sand dollarsincontributions was raised out atoyfortheholidays.Seventy-thou - from low-incomefamilieswillgettopick on December20th.Fifteenhundredkids day toygiveawaywhichwilltakeplace the recession. of membersunemployedbecause ters, Local250,whichhasthousands Tonsonisalsocoordinatingtheholi- DISPATCHER •December 20101

holiday season. $1,400 tohelpouttheirco-workers this ment attheBayerfacilitydonated over so scarce.Employeesfromeverydepart- especially inthiseconomywherejobsare caused great hardships on those families, pharmaceutical plantinBerkeley,CAit laid-off co-workers Bayer workersinBerkeleyhelp Vol 68,NO11•December2010 When Bayerlaidoff29workersattheir

Photos by Robin Doyno Photo by Robin Doyno LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER Dear Editor, I would like to publicly thank Gene Vrana and the other the orga- manufactured, warehoused and shipped cosmetics and related nizers of the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) confer- products, warehoused and distributed pharmaceuticals, prescription ence for giving me the opportunity to attend this important event. drugs and over-the-counter products for hospitals and drug stores, It was truly an unforgettable experience meeting members from the manufactured and warehoused wallboard and bagged gypsum, other locals from the Pacific Northwest, to our brothers and sisters from manufactured epoxies, various coatings, oil, roofing materials Canada and Hawaii. It was comforting to know we all share the same products, stored and loaded petroleum products, butane, Petrolane, concerns from the foundation of our membership to the issues that stored loaded jet fuel for commercial and military use; we ride affect us all as union members economically – locally and globally. pipelines and bunker military ships. The experience I gained from this conference reminded me that it our members work in steel processing and manufacturing, as well as is an honor and privilege to be a part of our union community. We as distribution service centers operating slitters, shears, cranes and a wide members are not alone, nor forgotten. Solidarity still exists. variety of other equipment, including distributing these manufactured products on trucks over short and long distances. Our members are also Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the LEAD program. involved in retail warehouse and distribution centers, plastic and cloth Lea Muller, Local 34 manufacturing, flour products, foundries, scrap metal pick-up by trucks, Oakland, CA sorting, shearing, making ingots, smelting and foundry works, textile manufacturing , tin and zinc processing and shipping, various types of Dear Editor, chemical production and storage, petroleum laboratory work, manu- This month, Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta facture, pallets and distribution supplies, seeds and garden products, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for general warehousing and distribution of imported goods from LA/LB his heroic efforts in Afghanistan. Under heavy harbor, maintenance and repair contracting, furniture manufacturing gunfire, Giunta rescued a wounded soldier, and more. Sgt. Joshua Brennan, who was being dragged We in ILWU Local 26 have been honored to have served our away by Taliban fighters. Sgt. Brennan later members over these many years. We had over 100 contracts at one died from his wounds. My cousin, SPC Hugo V. time, including three master agreements, wholesale drug, scrap Mendoza, was also killed during that firefight. Army Spc. Hugo Mendoza employers and security. Only the Security Master Contract remains as died October 25, 2007 of At the Medal of Honor ceremony, President wounds sustained during a Master Agreement with the PMA today. Obama and Sgt. Salvatore Giunta recognized an ambush by Taliban Starting in the early 1970s, as the economy was affected by US the heroism and sacrifice of my cousin, Hugo, fighters in Korengal policy and runaway companies, we witnessed auto, rubber, electronics, Valley, Afghanistan. and Sgt. Brennan in front of their families. aircraft and other industries move to other countrie—Mexico, Japan, on Veteran’s Day, I remembered my cousin Hugo, who was like a China, and elsewhere. When this happened, it impacted other smaller brother to me, and all of the other men and women of our Armed companies whose employees, Local 26 members, depended on the sta- Forces who have sacrificed so much in Iraq and Afghanistan. bility of those companies that closed. Hugo’s life cannot be replaced. Our family shares a grief with too local 26 lost thousands of jobs and members and their families many other families who have also lost loved ones in these wars. suffered. There were few jobs available where we could send our Veteran’s Day, was originally called Armistice Day, to mark the end of laid-off members to work. Many remaining companies implemented World War I and to remember the millions who died in that war. In that technology which severely cut the workforce to minimum manpower. spirit, I remember my cousin and the others who have fallen and hope The most recent major hit came in 1996 when Rite Aid purchased for a speedy end to these wars and the safe return of our troops. God Thrifty Corporation. Thrifty warehoused and distributed all commer- Bless Our Union. God Bless the of America. cial, pharmaceutical products from the LA and Buena Park warehouses Mario Narez, Local 13 and distribution centers which employed about 700 Local 26 members. Wilmington, CA A few years before the Rite Aid takeover, Thrifty consolidated the LA/ Anaheim DC’s into a new and automated distribution center in Ontario, California. Soon afterward in 1997, Rite Aid shut down and moved to Dear Editor, Las Vegas to get away from the ILWU/Local 26 Agreement which obli- In the October 2010 issue of the Dispatcher, Local 26 ILWU was de- gated them to apply the union contract to any workforce in any new scribed as a Warehouse/Security Local. This is not accurate. warehouse from Bakersfield south to Mexico. Approximately 350 to The Local 26 ILWU charter for Warehouse, Processing & Distribution 400 workers were laid off permanently. About one year later, Rite Aid Workers was issued on September 21, 1937, as the allied division of the purchased 88 acres from the City of Lancaster for $1.00 for 10 years and longshore industry resulting from the ILWU March Inland. built a fully automated distribution center. At the recent LEAD conference, Local 26 members were asked by The ILWU organized the Rite Aid warehouse workers into Local 26. members of other ILWU locals who we are and what work Local 26 We are negotiating the first contract at this time. members perform. local 26 members have been hit hard by the decision of our The March Inland brought Local 26 to our peak in membership— politicians and employers. We went from seven full-time officers to approximately 10,000 workers in diverse industries, geographical the current three. locations and skills. our members are hard workers and Local 26 continues to work hard During the 73 years of our existence, our members worked in manu- to get the best contracts possible for our members and their families. facturing, processing, distribution and security. Our contracts repre- We continue to overcome the many challenges thrown in our path to sented members working throughout Southern California, in Fresno, protect our members, Local 26, and our collective future. Delano, McFarland, Bakersfield, Goleta, San Diego and throughout Los out of respect for Local 26 members, please print this correction. Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Kern counties. Luisa Gratz, President, Local 26 local 26 members manufactured and processed Carbon Black and Los Angeles, CA Graphite for the auto and rubber industries. We worked in machine shops where we made parts for the aircraft industry, warehoused sampled and baled cotton for shipping and packed freshly picked lemons, made chrome and rubber products for auto tires and aircraft,

Send your letters to the editor to: The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800 or email to [email protected]

DISPATCHER ILWU TITLED OFFICERS Craig Merrilees Robert McEllrath, President The Dispatcher (ISSN 0012-3765) is published monthly except for a combined April/May issue, for $5.00 a year and $10.00 a year for non-members by the ILWU, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, Communications Director and Managing Editor Ray A. Familathe, Vice President, Mainland CA 94109. Periodical postage paid at San Francisco, CA. The Dispatcher welcomes letters, Roy San Filippo Wesley Furtado, Vice President, Hawaii photos and other submissions to the above address © ILWU, 2010. Postmaster: Send address Editor William E. Adams, Secretary-Treasurer changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800.

2 DISPATCHER • December 2010 Bert Tufele, Local 13 longshore worker, killed in accident on Long Beach dock Polynesian community rallies behind family

he Southern California that changed her life. The mood was connection carries the most weight in harbor area waterfront was extremely somber, yet, there was a the hearts of Polynesians. changed forever during the calm camaraderie as Polynesian dock- While there have been numerous T workers waited in the parking lot to other longshore deaths on the docks, early morning hours of November comfort their sister upon her arrival. this may be the first death involving the 4th when longshore worker Bert From the main gate, busloads of driver of a UTR, also known as a yard Tufele was killed on the job at the workers who had either just ended hustler, that was not caused by faulty of his shift, which ran from 6 p.m. to Services of America their shifts or had left their homes equipment or another party. Previ- 3 a.m. (SSA) Marine Terminal on Pier A upon news of the accident, were trans- ous deaths included longshore work- Tufele was born on January 26, 1955 in Utulei, American Samoa. He in Long Beach. He is believed to ported to the scene. In an unprec- ers performing duties in other job clas- edented act of solidarity and support sifications, such as forklift operators, is survived by: his wife, Vailili; 3 sons, be the first longshore worker of for the deceased and his family, more swing men, signal men, hatch bosses, Maze, Angelo, and Drake; his daugh- Samoan decent killed on the than 100 union officials, company lashers, and clerking. There have been ters, Jazmin and Jade; and 3 grandsons, docks in Long Beach. personnel, and other dockworkers other driver-related deaths involving Jared, Trent, and Jordan. He was a At approximately 2:30 a.m. Tufele waited while authorities completed outside, non-longshore truck drivers. career truck driver working for several was driving along the highline adja- their investigation and the body was UTR driving, which is considered import/export companies transport- cent to the vessel from which he was released to the coroner. a Skill II occupation and requires UTR ing cargo across the continental United moving cargo containers on Berth 94, Just prior to Tufele’s remains being certification training, constitutes the States for more than 20 years until he when the front of his utility tractor taken away, the entire group gath- majority of the workers dispatched became a casual longshore worker in (UTR) clipped the bombcart on another ered in a prayer lead by members of out of ILWU Local 13. During any 2004, and then a registered Class B UTR in front of him. He was ejected clergy from Tufele’s church who had given shift, there are more UTR driv- Member of Local 13 in 2007. from his UTR on impact and run over been admitted into the terminal. Sev- ers on a terminal than any other type Tufele was a self-taught musician by its tires, causing him instant fatal eral ILWU officers and SSA manag- of worker. A typical vessel gang con- actively involved in both a perform- injuries, according to preliminary ers remarked that they had never seen sists of two foremen, two crane opera- ing group, Island Royalty, which he reports of the incident. A final report anything like this upon the death of a tors, four swing men, one dock signal, created with his family, as well as his by OSHA has not yet been issued. dockworker. Usually, one or two fam- and as many as ten UTR drivers. There church. He was an accomplished gui- Within an hour, the terminal was ily members arrive to say farewell to the have been numerous UTR-related tarist and lead vocalist, and he had overwhelmed with fellow longshore deceased, but never had so many fel- accidents. UTR drivers are cautioned recently produced a self-titled CD fea- workers, most of whom were Poly- low union members arrived so quickly. to inspect their vehicles prior to the turing his original songs. nesian, who arrived to pay respect to This exceptional show of solidarity, start of the shift, maintain safe speed, Funeral services for Tufele took their fallen brother and his wife, Vailili, especially in the pre-dawn hours, went and wear seatbelts while operating place Sunday, Nov. 14 and Monday, who is also a longshore worker and beyond the slogan, “an injury to one, their vehicles. However, most UTRs Nov. 15. In lieu of flowers, the family had been working at a nearby terminal. is an injury to all” because Tufele was do not have speedometers and have is requesting financial contributions to Vailili had gotten off work at 3 a.m. more than just a union brother, he mechanical defects, including missing the Bert Tufele Memorial Fund in care of and had just pulled into her drive- was an “uso,” which means a Samoan or malfunctioning seatbelts. Tufele’s the ILWU Credit Union in Wilmington. way when she received the phone call brother. Of all the ties that bind, that accident occurred just prior to the end – Vivian J. Malauulu Mining and maritime unions find strength across borders at international meeting eading international mining company was looming for Local 20 in and maritime unions repre- Wilimington, CA next year. senting millions of workers “The solidarity Local 30 received L from unions around the world was around the world met in Auckland, critical,” Adams said. “It showed them New Zealand in early November that they are not alone.” to plan for the Mining and Mick Doleman, Mining and Mar- Maritime Initiatives interna- itime Initiative Chair and Deputy tional conference next year in National Secretary of the Maritime Durban, South Africa. They Union of , said the interna- discussed ways to work together, tional union formation brings together unions with common interests. increase solidarity and more Doleman said, the militant tradi- effectively represent members in tion in the mining and maritime indus- the globalized world of the tries means that the affiliated unions maritime and mining industries. were already actively involved in inter- “The spirit of international soli- national solidarity actions. “The glo- darity resonates now more than ever balized structure of the mining and because of the disputes that are occur- maritime industries requires a global International Vice-President Ray Familathe and International Secretary Treasurer ring all over the world,” said Wil- response from workers,” he added. Willie Adams are seen here along with the other delegates from mining and maritime unions around the world. lie Adams, Secretary-Treasurer of the Holding the meeting in Auck- International Longshore and Ware- land was an opportunity to discuss Australia, International Longshore Global union federations also house Workers Union, who attended some of the major union issues in the and Warehouse Union (ILWU) involved were the ITF (International the meeting along with ILWU Vice- Asia Pacific region and New Zealand from North America, CFMEU (Min- Transport Workers Federation), ICEM President Ray Familathe. “Workers itself. The massive development of ing and energy – Australia), United (International Federation of Chemical, need to stick together and support the offshore oil and gas industry in Steel Workers (North America), Energy, Mine and General Workers’ these fights whether it’s in Boron, the region was a major focus of inter- NUM (National Union of Minework- Unions) and IMF (International Metal Mexico City, or Auckland. With capi- est during the week, as was promot- ers – South Africa), ILA (Interna- Workers Federation). talists trying to destroy the working ing the development of unionism in tional Longshoremen’s Association New Zealand representatives class, every little victory is important,” nations of the region. An upcoming – North America), SATAWU (South include the hosting union the Maritime Adams said. international solidarity action against Africa Transport and Allied Work- Union of New Zealand and the EPMU. mining giant Grupo Mexico was also Adams and Familathe thanked the ers Union), UMWA (United Mine The Mining and Maritime Initiative discussed. delegates for supporting Local 30 Workers – North America), and CEP- will hold its international conference in members who won their struggle with The Mining and Maritime Ini- PWAWU (Chemical Energy Paper 2011 in South Africa. mining giant Rio Tinto. Delegates were tiative brings together global unions Printing Wood and Allied Workers told that another showdown with the including the Maritime Union of Union – South Africa).

DISPATCHER • December 2010 3 Deficit commission preliminary report targets Social Security and Medicare benefits

he October issue of the 6. Slashes the federal workforce by Dispatcher reported that 10% by 2020 the ILWU Pacific Pension- 7. Establishes co-pays for veterans at T VA health services. ers Association was sounding the alarm about a potential attack Proposal also cuts corporate taxes on Social Security by President Co-chairs Alan Simpson and Ers- Obama’s bipartisan Peterson-Pew kine Bowles, who authored the pre- liminary proposal, make a claim to Commission on Budget Reform progressive reform by raising the which was created to propose Capital Gains Tax, but their pro- ways to bring down the federal posal also cuts corporate taxes and budget deficit. The pensioners’ flattens the tax rates which make it rallying cry was well founded. On more regressive—that is the wealthy November 10, the commission pay a smaller percentage of their income in taxes than everyone else. released a preliminary report that The commission does not propose a should be of concern to every return to the Clinton-era tax rates on worker in the country. The com- the wealthy which actually led to a Alan Simpson (left) and Erskine Bowles are proposing cut backs to Social Security mission proposes cuts to both balanced budget. and Medicare in a preliminary report by Obama’s deficit reduction committee. Social Security and Medicare Economist warn austerity measure would produce far less budgetary sav- growth. Clinton did it without goug- along with other proposals that could reduce government revenue ings than they assume, as the cyclical ing the middle class,” Lux wrote. would negatively impact work- Economists Josh Bivens and effects of depressed economic activity Public widely opposes cuts ing families and leave banks, Andrew Fieldhouse of the Economic on the budget will largely defray the Policy Institute (EPI) said that the aus- In a new poll, more than eight which caused our current finan- savings from spending cuts and tax terity measures proposed don’t take into increases,” they wrote. in ten likely voters across the politi- cial crisis and the very rich, who cal spectrum say they oppose cut- account the current economic crisis. Mike Lux, a political consultant benefited from massive tax cuts ting Social Security to reduce the “The Co-Chairs’ proposal threat- who worked for in the Clinton admin- national deficit. The poll released by under the Bush Administration, ens to increase the already unaccept- istration lambasted the Pew-Peterson the Strengthen Social Security cam- unscathed. Here are some of the ably high level of unemployment and report in an article for the Huffington- paign showed the cuts are opposed by increases the possibility of the economy tonpost.com, “What is most bizarre, ways in which the Pew-Peterson 83% of Democratic respondents, 82% falling back into outright recession by all this pain for the economically commission’s proposal would of Republicans, 78% of Independents prematurely enacting sizeable austerity stressed working and middle class, impact working class families: and 74% of tea party members. measures,” they wrote in a recent article and they still don’t actually balance 1. Raises the retirement age for Social on the EPI’s website, www.epi.org. the budget until 2037. This is one of ILWU to lobby in defense of Security and Medicare to 69. They argued that the resulting the worst policy documents I have Social Security 2. Cuts Social Security benefits. loss of jobs from the austerity measure ever seen – [Bill Clinton dug us out] The ILWU will be sending a del- 3. Ends the mortgage tax could significantly reduce government of the big budget deficits of the Rea- egation to DC in March 4. Ends the tax deduction for workers’ revenue, offsetting the budgetary gains gan/GHW Bush era and created a bal- to lobby in defense of Social Security. health benefits. from the cuts. “This hasty embrace of anced budget and long term surpluses Members are encouraged to contact 5. Freezes salaries for federal workers austerity does not just harm the overall by doing modest budget cuts, taxes their Senators and Representatives to for 3 years. economy; it also means that their plan on the wealthy, and strong economic let them know your opinion. Neighborhood forum cites safety concerns at Tesoro refinery in Wilmington, CA Most residents at the meeting tor has refused to hire back most of the already knew that Tesoro had recently skilled workers. dumped over 1,000 gallons of hazard- Coke workers Javier Chavez, Miguel ous flammable liquid at the refinery Ceja and David Magallanes did a good complex which is surrounded on sev- job explaining why it’s so important to eral sides by residential neighborhoods. have experienced skilled employees sta- Neighbors expressed concern about the tioned at the coker unit. The materials history of problems at the plant – and inside are hazardous, the units oper- the hazards these incidents pose to fam- ate at high temperatures and pressures, ilies living nearby. and units must be cleaned regularly Background on how refineries oper- by skilled crews to operate safely, they ate and why safety is so important was explained. Another worker, Steve Can- provided by Dave Campbell, Secretary non, explained what happens to the Treasurer of Steelworkers Union Local coke residues from the refineries that are 675 which represents workers at Tesoro shipped overseas from nearby docks. and other Southern California refineries. Growing concern from the com- Alicia Rivera, representing Com- munity about Tesoro’s operation was munities for a Better Environment, demonstrated by the large pile of emphasized the common concerns of more than 6,000 petitions signed by residents and refinery workers when local residents. The petitions call on State Senator Alan Lowenthal and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn stand in solidarity with Local 13A (Allied workers). it comes to safety and environmental Tesoro to re-hire the skilled and expe- protection. rienced workers so the plant can oper- ate more safely. amilies living around Tesoro’s refinery in Wilmington, CA attended Another hot topic was Tesoro’s decision to dump dozens of skilled In another sign of growing support, a community forum on Friday, November 19th sponsored by the and experienced workers who belong State Senator Allen Lowenthal and Los FILWU and other groups. Concerned residents came to the Banning to ILWU Local 13-A. These workers Angeles City Councilmember Janice Community Center at noon where they learned some history about handled maintenance operations for a Hahn both attended the meeting. They dangerous incidents at Tesoro’s sprawling petrochemical operation. part of the plant known as the “coker answered questions from concerned ILWU Local 13 Vice President Bobby Olvera , Jr. welcomed everyone to unit.” This past May, Tesoro hired an residents and pledged their support out-of-state non-union contractor to to see that Tesoro re-hires the skilled the meeting and introduced the special guest speakers. do the “coker” work. The new contrac- workers from the community.

4 DISPATCHER • December 2010 East Coast longshore workers take action against Del Monte s many as 300 jobs for Fresh Del Monte Produce in Coral that supported union Gables, Florida. Informational picket lines appeared at Del Monte’s import Afamilies for 22 years in hubs at Port Manatee, Florida and the Philadelphia area suddenly Galveston, Texas. disappeared last summer when Del Monte’s appetite for Fresh Del Monte Produce stopped concessions is enormous using ILA union workers to New Jersey State officials tried to unload pineapples, bananas and persuade Fresh Del Monte to remain at the ILA-staffed port by offering the other fresh fruit at a New Jersey company huge public incentives that port across from Philadelphia. included: Del Monte decided to go with a • $25 million in taxpayer-funded cut-rate outfit that pays non-ILA infrastructure improvements. • Access to free public-owned land. dockworkers as little as $10.50 • Slashing Del Monte’s utility bil ILA longshore workers and community supporters are protesting the loss of good jobs because of the actions of Fresh Del Monte Produce. an hour with few benefits. in half from $1.3 million to Wildcat strike shuts New York $700,000. including freedom of association, are continued for another six days. When ports in September On top of the subsidies from tax- respected. As in the case of environ- workers finally returned, the com- ILA longshore workers on the East payers, union members offered their mental policies, strict adherence to our pany then fired 40 employees who Coast responded to Del Monte’s attack own package of concessions amount- labor and social programs and policies were union leaders in the plant. So far, on good jobs with a wildcat strike on ing to a 25% reduction in labor costs is monitored and validated by frequent Del Monte has refused to re-hire the September 28-29 that shut the largest worth $5 million. ILA Local 1291 internal and external audits.” union leaders. ports on the eastern seaboard for two members had already been giving Del Pesticide poisoning in Central ILWU sends solidarity letters and days. Philadelphia area ILA members Monte one of the lowest-cost pension America urges boycott support plans in the industry and workers had triggered the shutdown by extending But the company website doesn’t On November 17, 2010, ILWU gone 19 years without a wage increase. picket lines from local docks to the mention a long history of worker and International President Bob McEllrath massive ports of New York and New Workers sacrifice while execs still environmental abuse that includes an sent a solidarity memo to all ILWU Jersey where workers defied a federal get big bucks ugly episode during the 1970s and locals and affiliates, asking local lead- court order for almost 24 hours that Concessions and austerity mea- 80s when banana workers in Central ers to inform members about the Del called on employees to end the strike sures don’t seem to apply to Fresh Del America were exposed to DBCP, a Monte dispute and encouraging sup- and resume work. The September job Monte’s CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghaza- powerful pesticide that causes sterility, port for the ILA boycott of Fresh Del action marked the first East Coast port leh. He collected over $4 million in possible cancer and groundwater con- Monte Produce. McEllrath also sent a shutdown since 1977. compensation in 2009. tamination. letter the same day addressed to ILA President Richard Hughes: “I want you A second day of action in November Company propaganda paints a Retaliation against African workers to know that you have the full backing On Monday, November 22, “Jobs pretty picture As the Dispatcher goes to press, of the ILWU in your dispute with Del with Justice” and other community Fresh Del Monte’s official website Fresh Del Monte workers in Kenya groups organized four “pineapple Monte and that we stand in solidarity is filled with sweet-sounding talk about reported that the company is retali- with you. The letter concluded: “You protests” against the giant fresh fruit “sustainability” and the corporation’s ating against 40 union leaders who importer. can rest assured that we will take all deep concern for people and the envi- joined with 1,700 employees in an possible measures to support you and Hundreds rallied in downtown ronment. Like an oil company trying October 12 walk-out to protest unpaid your members.” Philadelphia where they stopped traffic to burnish their image after a big spill, allowances, use of temporary employ- and marched around City Hall. Pro- Fresh Del Monte Produce wants the ees and dangerous working conditions testors swarmed around a small down- world to know how wonderful they are: that may have been responsible for a see ILA longshore workers protest in Philly: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuWGFBwsq town “WaWa” grocery store, providing “Our strict labor policies and prac- worker’s death on the job. Xw&feature=player_embedded flyers to customers that explained how tices ensure a hygienic and safe work- Del Monte got a court injunction Del Monte was destroying good jobs in ing environment. All our employees on October 13 ordering the Kenyan the community. are guaranteed safe working conditions employees back to work, but work- see Fresh Del Monte’s corporate spin and Simultaneous actions also took and their rights stemming from inter- ers who showed up were told to greenwashing: http://www.freshdelmonte. place at the corporate headquarters national conventions and local laws, re-apply for their jobs, so the strike com/sustainability-social.aspx Portland longshore leader: G. Johnny Parks G. Johnny Parks died on November 27, 2010 after a distinguished life of service to his union, nation and community. Parks was born on January 31, 1922 and raised in Oregon’s rough-and-tumble lumber camps during the Great Depression. He joined the Navy in 1940 where he survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor plus the battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, Wake, Tarawa, Truk and the Philippines – receiving eight Bronze Stars for his service. Parks joined ILWU Local 8 in 1946 where he was elected by co-workers to a host of important ILWU leader- ship positions before retiring in 1985. After providing leadership in the 1948 longshore strike, Parks was elected to a different post almost every year during the next two decades, including Business Agent, Labor Relations Committee, Lobbyist, and President of Local 8. Apart from his service at Local 8, Parks served in a variety of ILWU International positions, and missed only one Convention and Longshore Caucus between 1957-1977. Parks’ high school diploma and ILWU credentials equipped him to serve in other important posts includ- ing the Board of Directors at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Portland Branch, Vice President of the Pacific Northwest Labor College, and a Director at both the Washington State and Pacific Rim Trade Associations. He also served on the Portland City Planning Commission, Port Commission and was appointed to both state and federal economic development posts. In 1977, Parks ran for ILWU International President but was defeated by Jimmy Herman. His campaign statement at the time read as follows: “I belong to no other organizations except the ILWU, and have never for over 30 years had any other source of income except that for which I earned under an ILWU contract, or that which I earned working for the union.” Longtime friend and fellow Local 8 member, Norm Parks (no relation) remembers that Johnny had a good sense of humor and was always fun to be around. “I first met him when I was in the 5th grade, and when I started working on the docks at 17 years old, I used to call him ‘gramps.’ I talked to Johnny this past summer and G. Johnny Parks served his union and community was taken with the fact that he still visited his wife Marcy everyday at a local nursing home where she was living for many decades. because of Alzheimer’s. Johnny gave a lot to our union and community – we’ll miss him a lot.”

DISPATCHER • December 2010 5 ILWU solidarity continues for families locked-out at Castlewood Country Club in Northern California LWU members have some members that included Pedro de Sa, experience with employer Carey Dahl, Ron Zampa and Bob Arce. Ilockouts, including the 10- A carload of Local 30 members day Longshore lockout in 2002 from Boron had confirmed they would drive 6 hours to attend the event, but and the 104-day lockout by Rio they were turned back because of an Tinto against the families in early winter storm that brought snow Boron. But a lockout that lasts to the high desert and mountain passes. 9 months is different, which Photo by David Bacon Workers refused demands for Solidarity for Castlewood Country Club workers: ILWU members is the challenge facing dozens health care concessions and staff turned out to support locked-out workers at the Castlewood Country Club on of workers at the Castlewood Sunday, November 21 in Pleasanton, CA. (L-R) Bob Arce of Local 6, Secretary-Treasurer Patric While most members of the Cas- Kim of Local 75, Ron Zampa of Local 6, Albie McCarthy of Local 75, Carey Dahl of Local 6 Country Club in the Bay Area tlewood Country Club are well-to-do, and Charley Lincoln of Local 10. suburb of Pleasanton, about one it’s another story for the workers who hour from San Francisco. serve the food, wash the dishes and • Direct support for the locked-out Nancy Skinner marched with the fami- families. At the November 21 march, lies on November 21. Other elected ILWU members joined a solidar- clean restrooms at the Club. Workers an appeal from a retired firefighter who officials are passing resolutions and ity effort with the Castlewood workers were told to give up health care bene- fits for their families. A survey of other passed a hat, gathered $1400 in a few sending letters of concern to the Club on Sunday, November 21, marching a minutes from the assembled marchers. management. mile and a half from downtown Pleas- private clubs in the area revealed that Food drives and other fundraising are • Strategic research is identifying anton to the country club golf course. a majority provide health care benefits to workers and their families, but that helping the families survive. ways to put pressure on the Club. “Several of us from Local 75 came didn’t stop management from claim- • Labor outreach efforts are mobi- Somemeetings and golfing events have to support these workers and show the ing that deep cuts were needed to “stay lizing union members in Northern already been canceled because of the Club management that we’re standing California to attend events and lockout. competitive.” When workers refused with the locked-out employees,” said support the families. to meet the club’s health care conces- • Communicating directly with mem- Patric Kim, Local 75 Secretary Trea- sions, they found themselves locked- • An interfaith support network is bers of the Club via newsletter is surer who came with co-worker Albie involving leaders and congregations of allowing locked-out workers to tell out. After 270 days without work, McCarthy. many faiths. their side of the story. employees have toughened themselves • Political outreach and organizing. Local 10 member Charley Lincoln for a long fight by organizing a cam- California State Assembly member- marched with a contingent of Local 6 paign that includes: Local 30 kicks off holiday Locked Out: season with a family day Documentary on the celebration struggle of the Boron Miners screening in San Pedro

Harbor area ILWU Locals in Los Angeles and the Harry Bridges Institute are sponsoring a free screening of the new labor documentary “LOCKED OUT” which is open to union members and the public at large on: FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 14th, 7:30 PM at the WARNER GRAND THEATRE 478 WEST 6th St. SAN PEDRO, CA. 90731. The 90 minute documentary is a David and Goliath story of how 560 ILWU miners in the desert town of Boron, California stood up to their employer, Rio Tinto, a giant multinational mining corporation, and won a Photo by Patti Orr Local 30’s family day featured bounce houses and other fun activities for the kids. decent contract after being locked out of their jobs for 107 days and temporarily replaced by scabs. n November 6th, ILWU tos by Richard Miller, and free t-shirts for everyone who came to the event. Local 30 held a family Joan Sekler, writer, director and day celebration at the O producer of the DVD documentary union hall, an event which Local YOU CAN ORDER Locked Out 2010 was on hand to THE DVD ON THE #30 President David Liebengood answer questions and the documentary WEBSITE: hopes will become an annual DVD’s were available for $10. www.lockedout2010.org and event. “We had a good turn-out for this organize a screening in your The Local 30 family day kicked- year’s event”, said Liebengood. “I town or city. off in the parking area of the union would like to see this continue from hall at 10a.m. Approximately 200 year to year”. The event closed out For more information, contact showed up for the day with their fami- around 2 p.m. with a raffle drawing. [email protected] lies. There was a bounce house, a car- The grand prize winner of a 40-inch or [email protected] nival, a pony, and “twenty mule team” big screen TV was Dean Tackett, while tractor rides for kids, a petting zoo, Ryan Moore won a $100 Visa gift card. carnival games, a BBQ, live music, free Other winners were Art Kelly, and hot dogs, nachos, face painting, pho- Leon Morris. – Patti Orr

6 DISPATCHER • December 2010 Books A Spark is Struck: Jack Hall and the ILWU in Hawaii Holiday By Sanford Zalburg Jack Hall came ashore at Honolulu Harbor as an insignificant seaman Gift Guide and quickly took his place at the forefront of those who forged Ha- waii’s destiny. A Spark is Struck! is Hall’s story—and the story behind the International Longshore & Ware- house Union in the Hawaiian Islands. Videos Together, the man and the union helped incite a bloodless revolution, Bloody Thursday transforming Hawaii from the neo- bloody Thursday is a one hour PBS colonialist paradise of a wealthy few documentary that tells the story of how to one of the most liberal states in West Coast dockworkers overcame the nation. It was an era of landmark huge obstacles to form their union, events: the Red Scare, the consolida- the ILWU. Set in the midst of the tion of power, major labor strikes in Great Depression, the film shows the fields and on the docks. Here is how longshoremen were fighting the inside story of a power broker’s for their rights at the same time that career and a union s role in shaping most of their families weren’t sure today’s Hawaii. where their next meal would come Available for $13.50 from the ILWU Library. from. The odds were stacked against Use the order form on page 8. the longshoremen. Mainstream news- paper publishers, fearful of unionization efforts at their own papers, launched brutal attacks against the dockworkers and drove pub- Solidarity Stories lic sympathy against them. In addition, politicians and the police openly used their resources to side with the shipping companies By Harvey Schwartz against the striking dockworkers. Bloody Thursday tells the human The International Longshore and stories of the dockworkers who stood up against these odds Warehouse Union, born out of the and changed the course of American labor history. 1934 West Coast maritime and San bloody Thursday includes a range of filmed interviews with union Francisco general strikes under the officials and historians who provide fascinating insight to the dock- charismatic leadership of Harry Bridg- worker’s struggles during the Depression. These interviews are visual- es, has been known from the start for ly supported through an extensive archive of photographs, film, and its strong commitment to democracy, old newspapers. Dramatic accounts of the longshoremen, labor activ- solidarity, and social justice. In this col- ists, and politicians who were participants in the tumultuous events lection of firsthand narratives, union of the historic West Coast strike of 1934 are brought to life by actors leaders and rank-and-file workers - who read their accounts verbatim and bring a new level of emotional from the docks of Pacific Coast ports impact to the story through their performances. to the fields of Hawaii to bookstores in Portland, Oregon - talk about their The film is available for $20 at the website lives at work, on the picket line, and www.bloodythursdayfilm.com in the union. Workers recall the back- breaking, humiliating conditions on the waterfront before they organized, the tense days of the 1934 Locked Out: Documentary on the struggle of the strike, the challenges posed by mechanization, the struggle against Boron Miners against Rio Tinto racism and sexism on the job, and their activism in other social and political causes. Their stories testify to the union’s impact on the lives This documentary tells the David and Goliath story of how the of its members and also to its role in larger events, ranging from civil workers from ILWU Local 30 beat back one of the world’s largest rights battles at home to the fights against fascism and apartheid mining companies despite facing financial hardships during a107-day abroad. “Solidarity Stories” is a unique contribution to the literature lockout. on unions. There is a power and immediacy in the voices of workers In the wind-swept sands of California’s Mojave Desert sits a small that is brilliantly expressed here. Taken together, these voices provide town called Boron, population 2,000. It is home to one of the largest a portrait of a militant, corruption-free, democratic union that can borates mines in the world, where close to 600 workers blast, dig, be a model and an inspiration for what a resurgent American labor process and transport the refined mineral to a thousand manufactur- movement might look like. ers around the world. Borates are essential ingredients for life on our Available for $17 from the ILWU Library. planet. Generations of workers have worked in the mine, and over Use the order form on page 8. the years have won good wages and benefits through their union, the ILWU. As part of the middle class in America, they have been able to buy their own homes, send their children to college, and retire with a good pension. Bound back-issues of the Dispatcher but in the fall of 2009, the owners of this mine, the Rio Tinto Handsome, leather-bound, Group, a British-Australian multinational company, decided to dras- gold embossed editions of tically cut the workers’ benefits when the union contract expired in the Dispatcher are avail- November. The Rio Tinto Group mines iron ore, aluminum, copper, able. A year’s worth of ILWU gold, diamonds, coal, uranium and industrial minerals in over 50 history makes a great gift or countries. As the third largest mining company around the world, family memento. Supplies their net earnings in 2009 were almost $5 billion dollars on revenues are limited, not all years are of $44 billion dollars, and this was earned through the abusive tactics available. Cost is only $10 for a years’ worth of ILWU history. Email they have used against miners and their communities—from human orders to [email protected] or make a check out or money order rights abuses to environmental destruction. (U.S. funds) to ILWU and send to ILWU Library, 188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109. rio Tinto threatened the miners in Boron—to either accept their cutbacks in the new contract or find themselves locked out of work. On January 30th, 2010 the workers voted unanimously to reject the company’s proposed contract and on January 31st, 2010, they were locked out of work. This film tells the dramatic story of the fight back by families in Boron. The film is available for $20 at the website: www.lockedout2010.org

DISPATCHER • December 2010 7 A Helping Hand...... when you need it most. That’s what we’re all about. We are the represen- tatives of the ILWU-sponsored recov- ery programs. We provide professional and confidential assistance to you and ADRP training program: The Northern California area of the Longshore Division’s Alcohol and Drug Recovery your family for alcoholism, drug abuse and Program (ADRP) held its annual coordinator training program at ILWU Local 34 in San Francisco from Novem- other problems—and we’re just a phone ber 29th-December 3rd. Coordinators received the latest information from leading experts on substance abuse and call away. recovery. They also went on a tour of a recovery facility. The ADRP volunteers are seen in the photograph above. Coast Committeeman Ray Ortiz, Jr., (inset) spoke at the training. ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION TRANSITIONS ADRP—Southern California ADRP—Oregon Jackie Cummings Brian Harvey

NEW PENSIONERS: Bush (Naomi); Freddie J. Hooper; Local 870 West Ninth St. #201 5201 SW Westgate Dr. #207 Local 8: Edward H. Johnston; 23: Donald M. Holland; Local 32: Michael San Pedro, CA 90731 Portland, OR 97221 Local 13: Steven E. Harp; Corinne L. B. Meacham; Local34: Raphael (310) 547-9966 (503) 231-4882 Tanon-Freeman; Mac A. Bailey Sr; Ruben Hepokoski; Local 54: Billy J. Holman; Acebedo; Local 46: Rudy Mendez; Albert Local 63: Edgar E. Paz; Louis W. Rios ADRP—Northern California ADRP—Washington D. Valenzuela; Local 63: Charles W. (Alicia); Local 92: Cecil S. Eklund Norm McLeod Donnie Schwendeman Winston Jr; Kenneth I. Shimokochi; Philip DECEASED SURVIVORS: 400 North Point 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. #503 T. Gravett; Local 94: Barry C. Warren; Jose Local 10: Anna Rodrigues; Lena R. Richards; Robert Chacon Massucco; Doris L. Slaughter; Inez Carroll; San Francisco, CA 94133 Tacoma, WA 98424 DECEASED: Maxine Bailey; Angela Richardson; (415) 776-8363 (253) 922-8913 Local 8: Alfred L. Cox; Dale L. Bott Adelaide Caruso; Local 12: Agnita (Marva); Local 10: Alex Sohriakoff; James Friedrich; Local 13: Mary F. Horta; E. Clayborne; Willie Williams Jr; Robert B. Georgetta Rushing; Isabel Lomeli; ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION ILWU CANADA Melcher; John E. Banks (Audrey); Local Local 19: Pearl I. Bingham; Local 21: 13: Brian Joseph Knez; Vincent F. Medina; Sadako S. Fujiura; Local 24: Jane Puljan; DARE—Northern California EAP—British Columbia Jose T. Guzman; Charles D. Short; Local 27: Nadine L. Moore; Local 29: Teamsters Assistance Program John Felicella Fernando O. Ruelas; Patrick D. Mcgovern; Amalia V. Vinole; Local 32: Patricia Smith; 300 Pendleton Way 3665 Kingsway, Ste 300 Local 19: Norman W. Wivart; Gareth V. Local 40: Marie B. Nichols; Local 91: Bowen (Mary); Emanuel F. Hill; John Allen Irene O. Morrison; Local 94: Ruth V. Oakland, CA 94621 Vancouver, BC V5R 5WR A. Holler (Marge); Local 21: George A. Bowers; Inez L. Boerner (510) 562-3600 (604) 254-7911

ILWU BOOKs & VIDEOs ILWU BOOK & VIDEO order form Books and videos about the ILWU are available from the union’s library at discounted prices! ORDER BY MAIL BOOKS ___ copies of Solidarity Stories @ $17 ea. = $_____ Solidarity Stories: An Oral History of the ILWU. By Harvey Schwartz. An inspiring collection of first-hand accounts from ILWU union leaders and rank-and-file workers. $17.00. ___ copies of A Spark Is Struck @ $13.50 ea.= $_____ A Spark Is Struck: Jack Hall & the ILWU in Hawaii. By Sanford Zalburg: A high quality re-issue ___ copies of Along the Shore @ two for $5.= $_____ of the informative epic account of Jack Hall and the birth and growth of the ILWU in Hawaii $13.50 (paperback). ___ copies of The Legacy of 1934 @ two for $5 = $_____ Along the Shore/Por la Costa—ILWU Coloring Book. A bi-lingual English/Spanish coloring book about waterfront workers and their union. Originally developed by the California ___ copies of Harry Bridges @ $10 ea.= $_____ Federation of Teachers’ Labor in the Schools Committee in consultation with member Patricia Aguirre and the ILWU Local 13 Education Committee. Meets K-3 classroom ___ copies of ILWU Story @ $5 ea. = $_____ standards for History and Social Studies. Two (2) for $5.00 ___ copies of The Big Strike @ $9.00 ea. = $_____ The Legacy of 1934: An historical exhibit by the ILWU. Produced as a catalogue to accompany the new traveling historical art exhibit about the origins of the ILWU in the 1934 maritime ___ copies of The Union Makes Us Strong @ $20 ea. = $_____ strike, this brief but vivid publication stands on its own as a pictorial history of the coastwise strike and an account of the extraordinary sacrifices and democratic principles of the ___ copies of The March Inland @ $9 ea.= $_____ founding members of the union. Two (2) for $5.00 ___ copies of Eye of the Storm DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ Harry Bridges: The Rise and Fall of Radical Labor in the United States. By Charles Larrowe. A limited number of copies of this out-of-print and useful biography are now available ___ copies of We Are the ILWU DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ through the book sale by special arrangement with Bolerium Books in San Francisco, which specializes in rare publications and documents about radical and labor history. $10.00 ___ copies of We Are the ILWU VHS @ $5 ea. = $_____ The ILWU Story. This book 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 ___ copies of A Life on the Beam DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ words, and dozens of rare photos of the union in action. $5.00 Total Enclosed $_____ The Big Strike. By Mike Quin. The classic partisan account of the 1934 strike. $9.00

The Union Makes Us Strong: Radical Unionism on the San Francisco Waterfront. By David No sales outside the U.S. Wellman. The important new study of longshoring in the ILWU. $20.00 (paperback) We regret that U.S. Customs and postal regulations create too great a burden The March Inland: Origins of the ILWU Warehouse Division 1934-1938. By Harvey Schwartz. for our staff to maintain book sale service to our members and friends outside A new edition of the only comprehensive account of the union’s organizing campaign in the United States. the northern California warehouse and distribution industry. $9.00

VIDEOS Name______“Eye of the Storm: Our Fight for Justice and a Better Contract.” A 58-minute DVD feature documentary film produced and directed by Amie Williams, Eye of the Storm tells the story Street Address or PO Box ______of the 2002 longshore lockout on the West Coast. DVD Version $5.00 City ______State______Zip______“We Are the ILWU.” A 30-minute color video introducing the principles and traditions of the ILWU. Features active and retired members talking about what the union meant in Make check or money order (U.S. Funds) payable to “ILWU” and send to their lives and what it needs to survive and thrive, along with film clips, historical photos and an original musical score. DVD or VHS version $5.00 ILWU Library, 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 “Life on the Beam: A Memorial to Harry Bridges.” A 17-minute DVD of the original video Prices include shipping and handling. production by California Working Group, Inc., memorializes Harry Bridges through still Please allow at least four weeks for delivery. photographs, recorded interviews, and reminiscences. Originally produced for the 1990 Shipment to U.S. addresses only memorial service in San Francisco. DVD $5.00

8 DISPATCHER • December 2010