www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS TRANSITIONS recommendations 4-5 District Councilvoter dockers’ 70thAnniversary ILWU officersjoinJapan workers joinILWU Pet Coketransport Sakuma workerswinunion Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union DISPATCHER page 3 8 3 2 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., , CA 94109-6800. Honoring Tacoma Longshore: ceremony fortheplaquethatwasplacedonMurrayMorganBridgehonoring1916Tacoma longshorestrikers. T future generations. knowledge andtraditionsto generations andtopassalong tect thebenefitswonbypast previous generations,topro- andsacrificeof the history emphasized theneedtohonor tory. Theconvention’s theme the city’s workingclass his- longshore laborstrugglesto important contributionofthe in Tacoma thatrecognized the coincided withseveralevents Sept 12-14. The convention tion metinTacoma, WA from honor theunion’shistory— anafter- Sunday beforetheConvention to Special events Annual PCPA convention Two eventswereschedule on passing thetorch: 49th Honoring thepastand ciation (PCPA) conven- Coast PensionersAsso- he 49th annualPacific convenes inTacoma

the ILWUInternationaltitled officers: recent years.Fraternalguests included ing itoneofthelargestPCPA eventsin came tothisyear’sconvention—mak - Large turnout during theConventionweek. that so many special events were held ning committee,whowaspleased Chair oftheconvention’s2016plan- of theLocal 23 Pensioners Club and tion,” saidMikeJagielski,President Tacoma duringthePCPAconven- former longtimePresident. way, dedicated in honor of Local 23’s Philip MartinLelliMemorialHigh- bers hostedacelebrationofthenew of theConvention,Local23mem- Local 23hall.Onthefirstevening Harry Bridgeswasunveiledatthe Later that evening abronze statue of memorate the1916longshorestrike. on theMurrayMorganBridgetocom- noon ceremonydedicatedaplaque Mike Jagielski, President of the Local 23 Pensioners Club at the dedication A total of 207 registered attendees A total of 207 registered attendees “Fate andhistorysmiledon DISPATCHER •October2016 1

tions betweenstrikinglongshoremen became thefocusofmany confronta- downtown Tacoma and the Port; it was themainconduitbetween shot 100yearsbefore.Thebridge striker AlexanderLaidlawwasfatally Morgan Bridge) to the spot where Bridge (nowknownastheMurray marched acrosstheEleventhStreet dred ILWUmembersandpensioners Remembering the1916Strike the previousyear. pensioners whohavepassedduring dedicated tothememoryofILWU previous Conventions,thisonewas locals upanddownthecoast.Like union President’sfromLongshore liams alsoattendedasdidthelocal Frank PonceDeLeonandCamWil- Willie Adams.CoastCommitteemen and SecretarySecretary-Treasurer rath, VicePresidentRayFamilathe, International PresidentRobertMcEll- On September 11, severalhun- VOL 74,NO9•OCTOBER2016 continued onpage6

Photo by Lewis Wright Pet coke transport workers vote to join ILWU BA Transport workers who loaded by longshore workers onto haul petroleum coke from bulk carrier vessels heading for Asia oil refineries to where most of the carbon-rich mate- J rial is burned to fuel power plants storage facilities and docks and cement kilns, or used as a critical voted overwhelmingly to join additive for making iron and steel. the ILWU on September 1. Supply chain support Teamster-company deal rejected A group of 58 Oxbow workers In the same vote, workers went through their own struggle to soundly rejected a representation bid join the ILWU back in 2005 when from the Teamsters Union that man- they voted to join Local 13’s Allied aged to win only 2 votes from the 23 Division. Since then they have suc- JBA employees, despite aggressive cessfully negotiated contracts with campaigning that came with obvious Oxbow – privately owned by bil- management support. lionaire William Koch who controls “We wanted a strong, indepen- much of America’s pet coke industry. dent union that would give us a voice Solidarity makes a difference – not a union that was already in bed “We already knew the guys at with the company,” said longtime JBA because they come here all the JBA driver Humberto Alvarez. time,” said Steve Cannon who’s Nearly all the drivers work out worked at Oxbow for more than a of JBA’s headquarters in Wilming- decade. “It was natural for us to help ton, CA. Two two drivers who ser- them out because we were once in vice Bay Area refineries are based in their shoes, before we organized to Pittsburgh, CA. join the ILWU.” Performing a vital task JBA workers responded positively The JBA workers perform a vital to advice from Oxbow workers. “They task by removing petroleum coke – told us what to expect from manage- a by-product of the oil-refining ment when it was crunch time just process that constantly accumulates before the vote, and their predictions Their message was unity: This organizing flyer was used by JBA workers inside refineries when crude oil is were 100% accurate,” said JBA driver to build a united campaign and strong vote to join the ILWU. “cracked” into a wide range of prod- Humberto Alvarez. ucts, from gasoline and other fuels to Not fooled by tears their unity and determination to join Begging for one more chance tar for paving roads. With workers primed to expect the ILWU, despite many obstacles One of the predictions was an just such a performance, few were that were thrown into their path. A different kind of Coke 11th hour appeal by management for fooled when JBA official met with “It’s always a struggle to get this Petroleum coke is a hard, grey “just one more chance to make things workers to beg for “one more chance” far, but these guys pulled together material that contains much more right.” Such pleas are common anti- without the ILWU. Instead of falling and got it done,” he said. carbon than coal. JBA drivers haul union tactics that management uses for the tearful routine, JBA workers Familathe noted that JBA has away this “pet coke” using a fleet of to sway workers in the final days on stuck with their plan and voted over- provided transportation services to 29 tractors and 75 double-trailers a union organizing campaign – usu- whelmingly to join the ILWU. the petroleum industry for over 30 that deliver the material to differ- ally with an emotional appeal, often No to the company union years, and said their parent com- ent facilities – including the massive include “tears” shed by sobbing pany, Bragg, is a successful opera- A simultaneous bid by the Team- Oxbow terminal on Pier G at the Port executives who appears sincere, full tion with union contracts that cover sters Union to win the union election of Long Beach which is staffed by of remorse for past “mistakes,” will- many employees. ILWU members. The Oxbow work- ing to “listen” and offering heartfelt fizzled badly despite a show featur- “Everyone at our end is prepared ers store and manage millions of tons promises to “make things right” – if ing big Teamster trucks with giant and ready to do their part, so we’re of coke each year that is eventually the union isn’t involved. billboards, lots of Teamster jackets and dozens of flyers. The cozy rela- looking forward to negotiating a fair tionship between company manag- contract with JBA,” said Familathe. ers who invited the Teamsters to get Issues of concern involved after workers expressed Some of the concerns that led JBA support for the ILWU, doomed that drivers to join the ILWU include a effort in the eyes of most workers. lack of respect, scheduling problems, “It was obvious to everyone that unfair work distribution, long and the Teamsters were the company’s sometime unpaid wait times, and the union, and we didn’t want that,” said use of independent subcontractors. JBA driver John Soto. “There are problems at JBA that Getting a good contract need to be fixed, but all of us feel “Now it’s all about helping these better now that we have a union,” workers get a good first contract,” said Angel Jauregui. “Having support said ILWU Vice President (Mainland) from ILWU union brothers at Oxbow Ray Familathe, who oversees the and others around the harbor area is really important to us. We’re glad to Strategic cargo: Truckers at JBA who recently voted to join the ILWU, ILWU’s organizing campaigns. Fami- be part of the ILWU.” perform the essential task of removing petroleum coke from oil refineries. lathe complimented the workers for

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

2 DISPATCHER • October 2016 Sakuma workers win union vote with ILWU help ver three-hundred work- cott effort in a variety of ways, In June ers at the Sakuma Broth- of 2015, the ILWU International Con- ers Farm in Northwest vention in Hawaii unanimously passed O a resolution supporting the Sakuma Washington State made history workers and their boycott of Driscoll’s on the evening of September 12 – the world’s largest distributor of fresh by voting overwhelmingly to berries. In July of the same year, the create their own independent ILWU provided the FUJ with a detailed farmworker union. corporate strategic research profile com- piled by the ILWU Research Depart- Organizing in the fields ment that helped boycotters develop a The 377 workers who pick ber- more effective and strategic approach to ries an hour north of in the fer- their campaign. ILWU members con- tile Skagit Valley have been supported tinued supporting Sakuma workers by Support for Sakuma workers: ILWU leaders joined with labor and com- by the ILWU and other unions since supporting boycott actions at locations 2013, but they still had to overcome munity roups at a march and rally last July to support the Sakuma Brothers berry throughout the Northwest. farm union drive in Washington’s Skagit Valley (L-R): IBU Secretary-Treasurer Terri a bitter anti-union campaign in which Pensioners protest Mast, Local 25 Secretary-Treasurer Tyler Ashbach, Local 19 Dispatcher Dan McKisson, many workers were fired and threat- Local 19 President Rich Austin, Jr., Coast Committeeman Cameron Williams, Local 9 ened. The Sakuma workers triumphed Pensioners organized a dramatic Secretary-Treasurer Mike Pavelic, Local 9 Shop Steward Michael Kube, Pensioners Rich in their union vote because they built protest at their September 2015 Con- Austin and Mark Downs. solidarity in the fields – and sought vention in San Francisco where dozens three times what the company’s attor- down and work out a contract with the support from unions and consumers of delegates joined International Presi- ney wanted. Sakuma avoided a court- workers.” At the vote count, Sakuma who backed a boycott of Driscoll’s Ber- dent Bob McEllrath, Vice President Ray room trial by settling with 408 workers CEO Danny Wheeden joined the ries – the giant marketing brand that Familathe and Local 13 President Bobby for a total of $500,000 plus another large number of workers and support- distributes berries from Sakuma and Olvera, Jr., who marched defiantly into $350,000 in legal fees. Earlier this year ers, perhaps signaling another shift in other growers that is no longer being the produce section of a Whole Foods the company paid $87,160 to berry the company’s perspective. More sig- boycotted. Market in San Francisco where they held an informal rally and fielded ques- pickers after Washington’s Supreme nificantly, the company has agreed to Difficult years tions from friendly shoppers. The store Court ruled that piece-rate workers reach a contract by a date certain – or ILWU members were among the manager eventually joined the dialog in 2014 were still entitled to be paid both sides will submit their position first to help Sakuma workers when and agreed to pass concerns along to for 10-minute rest breaks, averaging to a neutral arbitrator who will choose they began organizing in the summer her regional manager. payouts of $231 per worker. That one of the proposals – a practice known of 2013, under the banner “Familias lawsuit filed by Sakuma workers as “baseball arbitration.” Local 19 solidarity changed conditions at every farm in Unidas por la Justicia” or Families United Solidarity at home and beyond for Justice (FUJ). Sakuma management Seattle dockworkers continued a Washington State. Local 19 President Rich Austin quickly retaliated by firing leaders, ridi- longstanding tradition in July, 2016, Final contact with workers observed that “the Sakuma workers culing worker concerns by saying there when they expressed their com- The weeks leading up to the union clearly achieved a major victory in their was “nothing to negotiate,” and import- mitment to show solidarity for the vote were tense, given the years of anti- struggle to improve conditions and ing “guest workers” from Mexico to serve Sakuma workers and concern about union harassment and propaganda that raise pay to $15 an hour – and did it by as company-paid strike-breakers. They Driscoll’s Berries – sending a powerful workers had been forced to endure. At reaching out to members of the ILWU also assailed reporters who interviewed message to Sakuma management that the request of Local 19 President Rich and other unions, with the support of workers and described harsh working the stakes were being raised – like the Austin, Jr., ILWU International Vice the National Farm Workers Ministry, conditions at Sakuma. ILWU Pension- ILWU did decades earlier when the President Ray Familathe agreed to and by building solidarity with com- ers and local members visited workers United Farmworkers Union needed assign bi-lingual organizer Jon Brier to munity groups throughout the region.” and FUJ leaders in 2013, laying a foun- help in California. help “get-out-the-vote” for the work- dation for further action by the ILWU Because many of Sakuma’s berry pick- Plan for a big march ers’ union. Brier joined the FUJ leaders International Executive Board that came ers originally came from indigenous By early July of 2016, plans for a to visit workers at their homes where it when a $3500 solidarity donation was communities in Mexico, workers also major mobilization were underway to was easier to talk and ask questions. authorized in December of 2013. Sev- made an effort to support Driscoll’s bring 250 supporters – including ILWU eral months later the Puget Sound Dis- Company agrees to talk workers who are organizing to improve and IBU members – to march through terrible conditions at Driscoll’s berry trict Council sent a letter to Sakuma When Sakuma finally agreed to Sakuma’s berry fields and end with a farms in Baja California, clustered management, urging them to respect talk and reach terms on a fair election, rally in front of the company headquar- around the wind-blown Pacific Coast workers and sign a contract with the FUJ. things moved quickly. A neutral party ters. The same tactic had been used town of San Quintin, several hours was chosen to oversee the election, and Boycotting begins successfully the year before to generate south of Tijuana. when the votes were counted, the results Labor law violations mounted but positive media stories, as detailed in the were overwhelming, with only 58 of the In the Pacific Northwest, thou- failed to force Sakuma Brothers to nego- June 2015 issue of The Dispatcher. 377 workers voting against the union, sands of farmworkers in Washington, tiate. Workers decided to ramp-up a Mounting legal headaches despite threats, firings, ongoing harass- Oregon and Canada’s Okanagan Val- consumer boycott – the same tactic In early July a federal judge ment and vilification of the union. ley are still working in miserable con- used successfully in the 1960’s and 70’s ditions and desperately need a union ordered Sakuma to pay $250,000 in Company officials took a higher by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm- to help them. “Hopefully we can help legal costs for attorneys representing road as the election neared, insisting workers Union. Boycotts can work, but the FUJ get a good contract and spread a group of Sakuma workers who sued they would honor the workers’ deci- they require enormous resources to the union movement to so many other their employer in a class-action law- sion if a majority voted for the union, reach consumers and enough time to workers who need it,” said Austin. suit. The judge ordered Sakuma to pay adding that they were prepared to “sit get results. The ILWU helped the boy- “They’re off to a great start.” ILWU officers join Japan dockers’ 70th Anniversary he All-Japan Dockworkers Strong union ties Union – Zenkowan – Zenkowan and the ILWU have long- Tcelebrated their 70th standing ties and developed a deep Anniversary in early September solidarity commitment over the years, and invited ILWU International due partly to efforts by Presidents of President Robert McEllrath and both unions to attend each other’s con- Vice President (Hawaii) Wesley ventions. Zenkowan President Kozo Furtado to join almost 300 par- Matsumoto attended the ILWU’s 2012 and 2015 ILWU conventions. Both ticipants at their Convention. times he came with a “Friendship and The event was held in the small Solidarity Statement” that was signed coastal city of Katsuura, home of Ceremony of solidarity: Leaders and special guests of the All-Japan Dock- in a public ceremony before hundreds workers Union, known as Zenkowan, held a ceremony outside Tokyo to celebrate their a historic fishing fleet and one of of ILWU delegates. 70th Anniversary. ILWU Vice President (Hawaii) Wesley Furtado and International Japan’s largest fish markets. Continued on page 8 President Robert McEllrath (3rd and 4th from right) were among the participants. DISPATCHER • October 2016 3 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS

President of U.S.A. San Mateo County City Measures Berkeley Measures Pleasant Hill City Council Napa Valley Unified Lakeport (Lake County) Hillary Clinton I Belmont 1/2 cent tax Yes E1 Yes Ken Carlson School District Measures R Burlingame Rent Stabilization Yes T1 Yes Timothy Flaherty Area 4 Joe Schunk Z Yes U.S. Senate V DC parcel tax for police/fire Yes U1 NR** Area 7 Jose Hurtado Dual* J EPA rent stabilization Yes V1 NR** Pleasant Hill Measures Stockton Mayor American Canyon Mayor Loretta Sanchez Dual* P EPA rent stabilization Yes W1 Yes K Yes Leon Garcia O Residential and business tax Yes X1 Yes U.S. Congress W Pacifica Re-zone Yes Y1 No San Ramon City Council Stockton City Council American Canyon Council Dist. 2 Jared Huffman N Pacifica library bond NR** Z1 Yes Sabina Zafar Dist. 1 Michael Blower Ken Leary Dist. 3 John Garamendi Q San Mateo rent stabilization Yes AA Yes Dist. 2 Dan Wright Joan Bennett Dist. 4 Robert Derlet L San Mateo fire dept NR** BB Yes Lafayette School District Dist. 6 Sam Fant Dist. 5 Mike Thompson CC Yes Mark Kindhouse Solano County Measures Dist. 6 Doris Matsui San Mateo County School Measures DD No San Joaquin County Board A Yes Dist. 8 Paul Cook S Bayshore Elementary Yes Napa/Solano County of Supervisors B Yes Dist. 9 Jerry McNerney M Burlingame School Dist. Yes Solano Supervisor Moses Zaskw Hayward M Yes Dist. 10 Michael Eggman T Jefferson Elementary Yes Dist. 2 Mike Loakimedes EE Yes P Yes Dist. 11 Mark DeSaulnier U Redwood City Yes Sacramento County Board S Yes Dist. 12 Nancy Pelosi Napa Supervisor of Supervisors Newark V Yes Dist. 13 Barbara Lee East Bay GG Sales Tax Yes Dist. 2 Mark Luce Sue Frost Dist. 14 Jackie Speier BART Board Endorsement Napa Measures Dist. 15 Eric Swalwell Vallejo Mayor Elk Grove Mayor Dist. 1 Gail Murray Oakland Z Yes Dist. 17 Mike Honda Landis Graden Steve Ly Dist. 3 Rebecca Saltzman G1 Yes Dist. 18 Ana Esho Dist. 7 Lateefah Simon HH open Sonoma County Supervisor Dist. 19 Zoe Lofgren Vallejo Council Elk Grove City Council Dist. 9 Bevan Dufty II No Dist. 5 Noreen Evans Dist. 20 Jimmy Panetta JJ Rent Stabalization Yes Latressa Alford D1 Darren Suen Rozzana Verder-Aliga D3 Maureen Craft Alameda City City Council KK Infrastructure Yes Sonoma County Board CA State Assembly Marilyn Ashcraft LL Civilian Police Yes of Education Dist. 2 Jim Wood Vacaville Council Elk Grove Unified School Dist. Lena Tam Review Board Jason Carter Dist. 4 Cecilia Aguiar-Curry Ron Rowlett Area 6 Nancy Chaires-Espinoza Malia Vella Dist. 7 Kevin McCarty Area 7 Carmine Forcina Pleasanton Marin County Dist. 8 Jim Cooley Suisun Council Berkeley Mayor I1 Yes Dist. 4 Dennis Rodoni Dist. 9 Jim Cooper Lori Wilson West Sacramento City Council Jesse Arreguin MM Big Box Limit Yes Dist. 11 Jim Frazier Mike Segala Martha Guerrero Lake County Dist. 13 Susan Eggman (open endorsement) Berkeley City Council Richomond Dist. 1 Monica Rosenthal Dist. 14 Mae Torlakson Fairfield Council Quirina Orozco #2 Darryl Moore L Rent Control Yes Dist. 15 Tony Thurmond Rick Vaccarro (open endorsement) #3 N/A Marin County Superior Dist. 16 Cheryl Cook-Kallio Rob Marin #5 N/A Brentwood City Council Court Judge Dist. 17 Rancho Cordova John Fink Office 2 Michael Coffino Dist. 18 Rob Bonta Benecia Mayor Donald Terry Rent Board Karen Rarey Dist. 19 Phil Ting Mark Hughes Igor Tregub Santa Rosa City Council Dist. 20 Bill Quirk Roseville Brentwood Measures At-large Chris Rogers Dist. 22 Kevin Mullin Benecia Council Scott Alvord Castro Valley Sanitary District Z Yes At-large Julie Combs Dist. 25 Kansen Chu Christina Strawbridge Timothy McGowan A Yes At-large Jack Tibbitts Dist. 28 Evan Low Mark Hughes Roseville City College

Dist. 29 Mark Stone Lionel Largaespada Dist. 2 David Larsen Castro Valley School Board Concord City Council Petaluma City Council Dixon Mayor Dist. 4 Doyle Radford N/A Pablo Benavente At-large Bill Wolpert CA State Senate Edi Birsan Jack Batchelor Gary Miller Dist. 3 Bill Dodd Emeryville Windsor City Council Dist. 5 Cathleen Galgiani Solano County Board Roseville Joint Union High N/A Mt. Diablo Unified School Dist. At-large Debora Fudge Dist. 9 Sandré Swanson Joanne Durkee of Education School Dist. Dist. 11 Scott Weiner Jason Carter Rene Aguilera Fremont Mayor Cherise Khaund Sonoma City Council Dist. 13 Jerry Hill Bill Harrison At-large Laurie Gallian Dist. 15 Jim Beall Mayor Sacramento Municipal El Cerrito City Council Amy Harrington Dist. 17 Bill Monning Area 2 Betty Silva Utilities Dist. Fremont City Council Paul Fadelli D1 Brandon Rose Vinnie Bacon Greg Lyman Sebastopol City Council San Mateo County Board Solano County Unified Raj Salwan Rochelle Pardue-Okimoto At-large Craig Litwin of Supervisors Dist. 5 School District (SAC) Washington Unified (Qualified write-in) David Canepa Board of Education School District Hayward El Cerrito Measures Area 2 Betty Silva Jackie Wong N/A B Yes Healdsburg City Council Daly City City Council Coby Pizzotti Fairfield At-large Tim Meinken Juslyn Manalo Hercules City Council Alicia Cruz Livermore City Council Betty Silva Glenn Sylvester Brian Miller Gary Stewart Area 1 Spencer Marks Cloverdale City Council Martinez City Council (SAC) Natomas Unified Lauren Turner Area 2 Joan Gaut At-large Paul Wrenn East Palo Alto City Council Courtney O’Brien School District Area 3 Judi Honeychurch Larry James Moody Mark Ross Reichel Everhart Oakland City Council Area 6 Ana Petero Cotati City Council Carlos Romero Susan Heredia Dist. 1 Dan Kalb* Spencer Marks At-large John Dell’Osso Lisa Yarbrough-Gauthier Martinez City School District Scott Dosick (Open) Dist. 3 Lynette McElhaney Joan Gaut At-large Susan Harvey Dist. 5 Noel Gallo Jonathan Wright At-large Eris Weaver Half Moon Bay City Council Los Rios Community College Dist. 7 Larry Reid Adam Eisen (OPEN) Benecia D4 Ruth Scribner At large Rebecca Kaplan Martinez Measure Santa Rosa City Council Carol Joyce Gary Wing D5 Pam Haynes Bill Harrison D Yes At-large Laurie Fong Judi Honeychurch D7 Valerie Jean Martin R Yes At-large Laura Gonzales Menlo Park City Council Stacy Holguin Richmond City Council At-large Caroline Banuelos Catherine Carlton Ana Petero Los Rios Measures Ben Choi Oakley City Council At-large Ed Sheffield Ray Mueller Celeste Monnette B Yes Melvin Willis Michael Dupray Gary Wing SRJC Board of Trustees Pacifica City Council Eureka City Council Richmond Measures Oakley Measures Travis Mary Ann Nihart Marianna Martine Austin Allinson L Yes G Yes Solano Comm. College Sue Vaterlaus At-large Don Edgar X Yes E Yes Celeste Monnette Eureka Measures W Yes Area 3 Rosemary Thurston Jefferson High School Dist. Rohnert Park/Cotati P Yes San Leandro City Council Andrew Lie School Board Dist. 2 N/A Orinda City Council Vallejo Kalimah Salahuddin At-large Chrissa Gilles Arcata City Council Dist. 4 Benny Lee Inga Miller John Fox At-large Tim Nonn Michael Winger Melissa Bowman So. San Francisco USD Union City Mayor Orinda Unified School Dist. John Baker Sonoma County Measures Humboldt County Measures Carol Dutra-Vernaci Sara Butler Napa Mayor Scott Grindy J Yes V Yes Jill Techel L Yes Alameda County Measures Pinole City Council Sequoia Healthcare District Y Yes Del Norte County Board A1 Yes Maureen Toms Napa Council Kim Griffin of Supervisors C1 Yes Scott Sedgely Santa Rosa Measures Kathleen “Katie” Kane Pittsburg City Council Kathleen Murray RR Yes Mary Luros O Yes Ben Johnson David Finigan Harbor District N Yes Hayward Rec Park Dist. Napa Board of Education Brian Rogers 2 year term F1 Yes Pittsburg Unified School Dist. Area 3 Lisa Lindsey Virginia Chang Kiraly 4 year term Nettie Asiasi Marin County Measures Shawn Mooney 4 year term A Yes Alameda Napa Valley College B1 Yes Pittsburg Measures Area 1 Dan Digardi San Mateo County Measure Clear Lake (Lake County) M1 Yes J Yes Area 6 Debbie Alter-Starr K Extend Measure A Yes Measures L1 No S Yes V Yes *Dual- Dual Endorsement K1 Yes **NR- no recommendation 4 DISPATCHER • October 2016 OREGON AREA DISTRICT COUNCIL PUGET SOUND DISTRICT COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

Oregon State Measure 98 Yes Multnomah County Commission Washington State Governor Local 19 recommendations: Eric Zimmerman Jay Inslee Oregon Secretary of State Washington State Representative Brad Avakian Oregon State Senate United States Congress Gael Tarleton (WA, 36th District) Senate District 22- Lew Frederick Suzan DelBene (1st CD) Oregon State Representative Rick Larson (2nd CD) United States Congress House District 42-Rob Nosse Oregon State Representative Jim Moeller (3rd CD)*** Pramilla Jayapal (7th CD) House District 18-Tom Kane Derek Kilmer (6th CD) Chair of Clackamas County House District 31-Brad Witt Pramilla Jayapal (7th CD) Commission House District 42-Rob Nosse Adam Smith (9th CD) Jim Bernard House District 45-Barbara Smith Danny Heck (10th CD)

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS

Continued San Francisco Supervisors San Francisco Measures Statewide Propositions Dist. 1 Sandra Fewer A School Bonds Yes Prop 51 School Bonds Yes Dist. 3 B City College Parcel Tax Yes Prop 52 Medi-Cal Hospital Fee Yes Dist. 5 London Breed C Loans to Finance Acquisition Yes Prop 53 Revenue Bonds. Statewide Voter No Dist. 7 D Vacancy Appointments Yes Prop 54 Legislation and Proceedings No Dist. 9 E Responsibility for Maintaining Trees Yes Dist. 11 Ahsha Safai Prop 55 Tax Extension Yes F Youth Voting in Local Elections No Prop 56 Cigarette Tax Yes San Francisco Board G Police Oversight No recommendation Prop 57 Criminal Sentences Yes H Public Advocate Yes Prop 58 English Proficiency Yes of Education Rachel Norton I Funding for Seniors and Adults Yes Prop 59 Corporations & Political Spending Yes J Funding for Homelessness & Trans Yes Prop 60 Adult Films, Condoms & Health No recommendation Stevon Cook K General Sales Tax No recommendation Prop 61 State Prescription Drug Purchases Yes Prop 62 Death Penalty Yes Mark Sanchez L MTA Appointments & Budget Yes Prop 63 Firearms, Ammunition Sales No recommendation M Housing & Development Comm. Yes Prop 64 Marijuana Legalization No recommendation San Francisco City N Non-citizen voting in School Board No recommendation Prop 65 Carryout Bags Charges No recommendation College Trustees O Office Development in Hunters Point Yes Prop 66 Death Penalty, procedures No Alex Randolph P Competitive Bidding for Housing Project No Prop 67 Ban on Single-use plastic bags Yes Rafael Mandalman Q Prohibiting Tents on Sidewalks Yes Tom Temprano R Neighborhood Crime Unit No recommendation Shanell Williams S Allocation of Hotel Tax Funds Yes T Restricting Gifts from Lobbyists Yes U Affordable Housing Requirements No V Soda Tax No recommendation W Real Estate Transfer Tax on $5 mil Yes X Space for Neighborhood Arts Yes NCDC RR BART Safety Yes

DISPATCHER • October 2016 5 Honoring the past and passing the torch: 49th Annual PCPA convention convenes in Tacoma he deliberately took artistic license including his attendance at the recent with Bridges’ height in order to capture Longshore Caucuses in Panama and San the labor leader’s oversized role in Francisco. He also attended a meeting America’s working class history. The to discuss proposals for long term care efforts of artist Paul Michaels were insurance that might cover longshore recognized during the ceremony and members and possibly pensioners. received a standing ovation. The sculp- Automation & bankruptcy ture is based on film footage of Bridges, Mitre touched on some new chal- captured during a 1986 visit to Tacoma lenges that longshore workers are now when he commemorated the Local’s facing, including automated terminals 100th anniversary. in Southern California and the recent Finding a permanent home bankruptcy of South Korean shipping The sculpture will be displayed company, Hanjin. He said the bank- temporarily at the Local 23 hall until ruptcy is the first fallout caused by Solidarity: (From left to right): MUA Veteran Jim Donovan, Local 23 Pensioner a permanent home for the statue is dramatic decline in prices carriers can Jim Norton and PCPA President Greg Mitre officially unveil the signed solidarity secured. Emil Korjan had wanted it charge for transporting containers, due agreement between the ILWU PCPA and the MUA Veterans. displayed at a place of learning where to the surplus capacity in the world students would see it. Possible perma- shipping fleet. continued from page 1 Harry Bridges statue nent locations for the statue include “Hanjin is the first domino to fall and scabs during the late 1800’s into On the evening of September 11, the University of Washington Tacoma and experts are saying they may not be the 1930’s. One-hundred years later, a bronze statue of Harry Bridges was campus or Bates Technical College. last. There is going to be a ripple effect marchers sang union songs and carried unveiled at the Local 23 Hall, honor- through the entire industry,” Mitre said. signs bearing slogans from the 1916 ing one of the ILWU’s most celebrated Last minute details “Where this goes is yet to be seen.” struggle in order to re-create the spirit founders. Jagielski, who spearheaded the of that strike. effort to make Korjan’s dream a reality, Mitre concluded his report by Contribution from a quiet member emphasizing the role of the PCPA in Re-creating history said he wasn’t sure the statue unveil- The idea for a statue was a final ing could actually happen until just supporting the ILWU’s active member- A brief street theater performance wish of Local 23 pensioner Emil Kor- days before the event. He said that ship. “I think the role of the PCPA is helped to re-create Tacoma’s labor his- jan who passed away in 2015 at the age spot welding and grinding work on the to support the officers, to be there for tory, thanks to current members and of 92, and left $25,000 to help fund statue went late in the night before it them and ask them what they need. pensioners who portrayed key figures in the statue. Korjan was a Local 23 mem- was transported to the hall on Friday. We are fortunate to be included. Local 23’s early struggles. Mike Jagielski ber who played an important role in A whole team of volunteers from Local In most industries, pensioners don’t portrayed Charles Trench, founder of the the Local’s history by introducing the 23, the Federated Auxiliary, pension- get to play the role that we do. The Tacoma longshore local; International motion in 1958 that led to the local ers and family members all chipped- PCPA’s role is to do whatever we can Secretary Treasurer Willie Adams por- union leaving the ILA and affiliating in to make the Sunday night unveiling to ensure that the ILWU continues to trayed Alexander Laidlaw, a striker in the instead with the ILWU. a success. prosper,” Mitre said. 1916 battle; Local 23 pensioner Eddie “Korjan never ran for office and Phil Lelli Highway McGrath played Martin Fredrickson, a wasn’t the kind of person who wanted Welcome from Tacoma’s Mayor On the evening of September 12, striker from the 1934 west coast water- to be in the limelight, but he was active Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strick- the Local 23 hall was filled to capacity front strike; and Local 23 member Brian in the union and proud to have intro- land welcomed the PCPA Convention again, this time to celebrate the dedica- Skiffington represented “Everyman” of duced the motion that brought this attendees on the first day. She high- tion of the Philip Martin Lelli Memo- the current workforce. Each actor told local into the ILWU,” Jagielski said. lighted the importance of the long- about their struggles and sacrifices, shore industry and the ILWU to Taco- rial Highway. The Washington State Fundraising to finish the job hopes and dreams that built the union ma’s economy, history and culture. She Transportation Commission adopted during more than a century of conflict. Local 23’s Pensioner Club raised also cited the many events during the Resolution 728 that named a section of the remaining funds for the statue with State Route 509 in Tacoma after Lelli Plaque honors ILWU martyr PCPA Convention that memorialize generous contributions from Local 23 and celebrate that history. to honor the man’s contribution to the A special memorial honoring the active members and pensioners. A Port and City of Tacoma. 1916 strikers began with the laying “It really speaks to who we are as critical donation of $35,000 from the a city,” said Strickland. “The City of Lelli was elected President of of a flower wreath in the Thea Foss Coast Longshore Division at the recent ILWU Local 23 multiple times for Waterway, where special recognition Tacoma is an international waterfront longshore caucus in San Francisco plus city and blue collar work is a part of nearly two decades, serving from 1966 was given to Alexander Laidlaw. Then a donation from the Southern Califor- and 1985. He is credited with bringing a plaque was dedicated on the 11th our DNA. We have to remember where nia Pensioners Group put the fundrais- we came from. And while we are here greater efficiency to the Port of Tacoma Street Bridge to honor his death during ing effort over the top. that significantly increased container 1916 strike. It was noted that today’s to celebrate and thank you for the work Unveiling ceremony that you’ve done in the past, understand volumes. He was also recognized for Tacoma City Council had recently his community service to help those The unveiling ceremony drew a that what we are talking about is not passed a resolution recognizing the in need at Tacoma’s Hospitality packed house at the hall from Local just about history, it’s about the future. 1916 strike and authorizing the per- Kitchen and various food banks in the 23 members, pensioners, International What future opportunities will young manent placement of the plaque. South Sound. officers and community members. people have to make family wage jobs?” Credit to young workers Local President Dean McGrath New PCPA charter Pensioners also credited members welcomed guests and introduced of Local 23’s Young Workers Commit- The convention welcomed the International President Bob McEllrath Alaska Pensioners Club with a new tee, who came up with the idea for a who spoke about Bridges’ central role plaque on the bridge to honor the 1916 charter from the PCPA. President in the formation of the ILWU, his life- McEllrath presented the charter to strikers, while attending joint meetings long commitment to Civil Rights, and with the Tacoma pensioners. Alaska pensioner Pee Wee Smith. dedication to fighting for the working “The PCPA is growing and will “Tacoma is a gritty, working-class class. When McEllrath finished, he sig- city and it’s appropriate that we have continue to grow,” said PCPA President naled to McGrath who unveiled the Greg Mitre. He noted that representa- this tribute to these workers. It’s an sculpture that triggered an enthusiastic important part of the history of the tives from the Panama Pensioners had round of applause. Bridges’ daughter, planned to attend, but were unable to city,” said Jagielski, one of the event Cathy, also spoke at the event and Honoring Ron Magden: Dr. Ron because of pressing issues at home that Magden (left), honorary member of Local organizers and chair of the Convention thanked the union for continuing her Host Committee. required attention. “I can guarantee you 23, was presented with the Jesse and Lois father’s effort to build a union by and that next year there will be representa- Stranahan Lifetime Achievement Award Local 23 President Dean McGrath for labor and the working class. tives from Panama at our convention in by Mike Jagielski (right). The award is said the bridge remains an important given to honor an outstanding labor Striking figure Southern California,” Mitre said. symbol. “You will always have a con- activist. Magden has written several The statue portrays Bridges larger President’s report books on Tacoma longshore history and flict between capital and labor. This a has spent decades preserving helping to reminder of what can happen when we at 6’-4” than he actually was, at about Mitre updated the convention 5’-6,” but sculptor Paul Michaels said preserve important documents and con- don’t work out our differences.” on his activities during the past year, ducting oral histories of longshoremen. 6 DISPATCHER • October 2016 Young Worker’s Committee Subsidies for robots The convention took time to hear “We have to develop an outside from members of Young Workers Com- game. We are working to make it clear mittees at ILWU locals in Canada and the to politicians that you can’t provide tax Pacific Northwest – plus special guests breaks, grants or other public monies from the Young Workers Committee at from the federal, state or local govern- the Maritime Union of Australia whose ment to foreign companies that replace example inspired similar Committees to American jobs with robots.” He said form in the US and Canada that Local 13, 63 94 and the Coast The presentation began with a short Longshore Division recently killed video from the recent Young Workers legislation that would have given a Conference held in Canada. Attendees tax rebate to companies that buy auto- from the conference were interviewed mated equipment. about what “solidarity” meant to them. Olvera also talked about the new Following the video, young workers dispatch hall in Southern California Statue for Bridges: (From Left to Right: Coast Committeemen Cam Williams which is sitting empty because of ongo- from the Maritime Union of Australia, and Frank Ponce De Leon, ILWU International Vice President Ray Familathe, Interna- ILWU Canada and ILWU Locals in the ing traffic and access issues. “We’re not tional President Robert McEllrath, and International Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams Pacific Northwest, talked about their going to move 7,000 men and women at the unveiling ceremony of the Bridges statue at the Local 23 Hall in Fife, WA. efforts to organize educational forums into a hiring hall that causes discontent and communication programs to help because they have difficulty getting in with the Pacific Maritime Association Resolutions inform new workers about the labor and out.” about early contract talks. The PCPA Convention delegates movement and their role in developing The convention also heard from McEllrath also noted the impor- passed several resolutions a strong, democratic labor movement. Local 10 President Ed Ferris, Local 5 tance of the ILWU hiring halls, and • Supporting the ILWU Longshore After their presentation, the young President Mike Stanton, Local 63 Pres- warned that employers are attempting Division; workers received a standing ovation ident Paul Trani, Local 91 President to undermine this important source • Asking the International Union to from pensioners. “This is the future of Fred Gilliam and Local 94 President of strength for longshore workers. He clarify rights of pensioners as the ILWU right here,” said Mitre. Danny Miranda. said the PMA had approached him fraternal delegates to submit with an idea of using automated dis- resolutions and/or make motions Youth video artists Coast Committee Report patch through cell phones to replace at ILWU conventions; Following the Young Workers Coast Committeemen Frank Ponce the hiring halls. “I told them—‘don’t • Allowing the Local 23 Pensioners Committee presentation, the conven- De Leon and Cam Williams addressed ever bring that up to me again.’” McEll- Club major ports status; tion screened a video about the 1934 the delegates. Williams delivered the rath said that working out of the hall West Coast Waterfront Strike made by bulk of the report and gave a detailed is a privilege. “Harry Bridges and 1934 • Creating a Long Term Care three high school juniors from Red- update on grain negotiations in the strikers fought for that hiring hall and committee; mond Middle School in Redmond, Northwest. I’ll be damned if I’m going to give that • Reverting back to previous WA. Their film features newly-dis- language stating that the PCPA Benefits plan up!” he said. covered archival footage and won first convention will be held “the first place in their state competition (See ILWU Coast Benefits Specialist Vice President & Sec. Treasurer Monday after the second their “Letter to the Editor” in the July/ John Castanho joined Benefit Plan Area ILWU International Vice Presi- Wednesday in September.” Directors and coordinators for the Alco- dent (Mainland) Ray Familathe spoke August 2016 issue of The Dispatcher). • Adding one Executive Board seat hol and Drug Recovery Program who about his early years in the ILWU and for Alaska and Tacoma. Solidarity agreement with provided information to Convention being locked-out by rail yard employ- MUA Veterans delegates. Also present were representa- ers when he was a member of the Local • Supporting the Standing Rock Local 23 Pensioner Jim Norton and tives of the Benefit Plans Office (BPO). 13’s Allied Division. “We had guns Sioux Tribe and all nations opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline; MUA veteran Jim Donovan made the All of these experts made themselves pointed at us while scabs were escorted official presentation of a signed soli- available to answer questions and pro- across our picket line,” Familathe • Supporting efforts by the Incarcerated darity agreement between the PCPA vide updates about health and pension recalled, and warned that employers Workers Organizing Committee, and the MUA pensioners. The MUA plans. They reminded pensioners to may try similar tactics in the future. He an organization of incarcerated and ILWU pensioners maintain a close update their address with the benefits updated Convention delegates about workers, to end the system of relationship, as do the active member- plan office whenever they move in order the ILWU’s ongoing contract cam- unpaid and underpaid prison labor. ships of both unions. to prevent any delays in getting checks paigns and organizing efforts, includ- PCPA elections & next Convention – and encouraged everyone to sign up Reports from Local Union ing a recent organizing victory by JBA PCPA President Greg Mitre, Vice for direct deposit at their ILWU Credit Presidents truck drivers in California (see article President Lawrence Thibeaux, Record- Union or other institution. The new The convention heard from sev- on page 2 in this issue). ing Secretary Kenzie Mullen and Trea- ADRP representative for Southern Cali- eral ILWU local Presidents, including ILWU Secretary Treasurer Willie surer Chris Gordon were elected by fornia, Tamiko Love, was introduced Local 19’s Rich Austin Jr, and Local Adams, who also serves as President acclimation. The next PCPA conven- and will replace Jackie Cummings who 13’s President Bobby Olvera, Jr. Aus- of the San Francisco Port Commission, tion will be held in Long Beach, CA retired earlier this year. tin talked about the important role that attended the first days of the Conven- from September 18-20, 2017, at the pensioners play at Local 19 for active Victory for farmworkers tion, but was unable to speak because Maya Hotel. members, where they are a valuable Pensioner Rich Austin Sr. announced of a Port Commission meeting in source of experience and information. that workers who organized their inde- San Francisco. He then presented Greg Mitre with a pendent union called “Familias Unidas A host of important speakers check for $5,000 from Local 19’s mem- por la Justicia” (FUJ) won an overwhelm- Other speakers at the convention bership to the PCPA. ing victory in their recent union election included Northwest Seaport Alliance So Cal automation impact at Sakuma Farms. He noted that the CEO John Wolfe; Tacoma Mayor Local 13 President Bobby Olvera ILWU’s 2015 International Convention Emeritus Bill Baarsma who now serves Jr., talked about the new automated passed a resolution supporting FUJ, said as President of the Tacoma Historical terminal in the Port of Long Beach. the Washington Area Pensioners and Society; Washington State Labor Coun- “Every piece of equipment they are pur- Local 19 have been actively support- cil President Jeff Johnson; Washington chasing for these automated facilities ing the workers’ campaign. At last year’s State Senator and candidate for the 7th is not to become more efficient but to PCPA convention in San Francisco, Congressional District, Pramila Jayapal. he recalled that pensioners and active get rid of workers. This will impact not PCPA Poet Laureate Jerry Brady members held a demonstration to sup- only the ILWU, but the whole commu- read his poem, “The First Tacoma Long- port the farmworkers at a nearby Whole nity,” Olvera said. “Robots don’t give shore,” and received a warm welcome Foods market. back to the community; they don’t buy for his work. Also speaking at the event houses or pay taxes.” Olvera said that President McEllrath was Conor Casey from the University Long Beach Container Terminal’s auto- ILWU International President of Washington’s Labor Archives. Casey mated facility will replace 600 jobs in Robert McEllrath spoke on the second gave an update about the Archives’ a 24-hour period when the terminal is day of the convention. He summarized effort to preserve the history of working Remembering Cleophas: Sadie operating at full capacity. He noted the Williams, widow of beloved pensioner debate at the recent longshore caucus people in the Pacific Northwest. Cleophas Williams, thanked the PCPA irony of seeing the company’s robots in San Francisco where delegates voted and the ILWU. The caucus was dedicated painted red, white and blue. to explore the concept of discussions to the memory of all the pensioners who have passed since last year’s convention.

DISPATCHER • October 2016 7 ILWU officers join Japan TRANSITIONS dockers’ 70th Anniversary NEW PENSIONERS: Local 10: Conrad Ramponi; Bernard Local 10: John J. Lee; Joseph N. Carrasco; Local 13: Patrick J. Barrios continued from page 3 some of whom were hit hard by the Austin; Local 13: James W. Osborne; (Antonia); F. P. Turrigiano (Gloria); History of solidarity devastating tsunami that tore apart Rudy N. Wingard; Angel G. Gonzalez; Paul E. Parra (Guadalupe); Joseph E. President McEllrath addressed the Fukushima and other coastal cities Fernando M. Munoz; Valentin M. Darby; Gabriel H. Padron (Hortencia); along Japan’s Northeast coast. Rincon; Salvador Trujillo; John M. Local 19: Vladimer Dzutsoff; Kenneth Zenkowan delegates in Katsuura, Hernandez; Mary Eileen Mcatee; Foster; Local 30: Richard Dowdy; Zenkowan has supported ILWU explaining that he and Vice President David M. Lian; Bobby L. Barber; Local 34: Charles E. Clausen; Furtado were honored to be guests and members in key labor struggles, Local 19: Rick D. Johnson; Lewis E. Gibbons; Lee P. Trezos (Irma); humbled by the deep expressions of including the 2012-2014 lockout Local 23: Tony V. Goretti; Local 50: Lewis N. Kelley; solidarity that have bound both unions involving two Japanese-owned grain Local 30: Gayland Parks; Tony (Jorge) Local 52: Harold W. Thomas; together for decades. companies in the Pacific Northwest. Miranda; William Sivia; Danny Haynes; Local 63: Bryan R. Jones (Shirley); “Both our unions were built on Local 40: Daniel Shalduha; Richard C. Denler; Local 94: Jack K. “We deeply appreciate what Local 46: Alfonso A. Ortiz; Mathlin (Maria); Zenkowan has done for ILWU mem- the principle of solidarity at home and Local 52: Thomas A. Thompson; around the world,” said McEllrath. DECEASED SURVIVORS: bers, and we have tried to be helpful as Local 54: Rene Gama; Local 8: Esther L. Crane; Linda well,” said McEllrath. “Zenkowan and the ILWU have built Local 63: Tommie L. Williams; Lundervold; Local 10: Mary E. Souza; The ILWU sent contributions to a strong foundation, and we intend to Nelma L. Hernandez; Christine E. Frances Garnica; Erma L. Stitt; Lenora Nichols; Local 94: Joaquin G. help Zenkowan members in 2011, keep it that way.” Riley; Local 12: Sharon E. Cottell; Hernandez; Cecil L. Richardson; Local 13: Evelyn O. Lively; Local 98: Steven D. Hester; Local 23: Lois J. Yelovich; DECEASED PENSIONERS: Local 40: Joean K. Fransen; Local 7: Guy F. Williams; Local 63: Margaret Bozanich; Local 8: Albert H. Schmit (Loretta); Helen L. Conway; Local 92: Helen G. Glen R. Embury; Richard A. Gilstrap; Gardner; Local 98: Georgia L. Olson; Julius C. Moore; Lawrence S. Meier;

Transportistas de coque deciden unirse a ILWU os trabajadores de JBA Trans- remolques para entregar el material Rogaron para se les diera una “Era obvio para todos que el Sin- port que transportan el coque a diferentes instalaciones - incluidos última oportunidad dicato de los Teamsters era un sindi- de petróleo de refinerías en el terminal masivo de Oxbow en el Una de las predicciones fue que cato controlado por la compañía, y no L Muelle G en el puerto de Long Beach queríamos eso,” dijo John Soto, con- California a instalaciones de al- a última hora la administración iba que es atendido por miembros de a rogarles que les “dieran una última ductor de JBA. macenamiento y muelles votaron ILWU. Los trabajadores de Oxbow oportunidad de hacer las cosas bien”. Para conseguir un buen contrato abrumadoramente para unirse al almacenan y manejan millones de Tales ruegos son tácticas antisindi- “Ahora se trata de ayudar a estos ILWU el 1 de septiembre. toneladas de coque cada año que cales comunes que usan las compa- trabajadores a conseguir un buen finalmente es cargado por los traba- ñías para convencer a los trabajadores Se rechazó el trato entre los primer contrato”, dijo el Vicepresi- jadores portuarios en buques granele- en los últimos días de las campañas de Teamsters y la Compañía dente de ILWU (continental) Ray ros que parten para Asia, en donde la organización sindical - generalmente En la misma votación, los traba- Familathe, que supervisa las campañas mayor parte de este material rico en con un llamamiento emocional, que a jadores rechazaron contundentemente de organización del ILWU. Familathe carbón se quema como combustible menudo incluye “lagrimas “ derrama- la petición de representación del Sin- felicitó a los trabajadores por su unidad para centrales eléctricas y hornos de das por ejecutivos que aparentan sin- dicato de los Teamsters, el cual obtuvo y decisión de unirse al ILWU, a pesar cemento o como aditivo esencial para ceridad, llenos de remordimiento por sólo 2 votos de los 23 empleados de de los muchos obstáculos que les pusi- hacer el hierro y acero. los “errores” cometidos, dispuestos a JBA, a pesar de que hicieron una cam- eron en su camino. “escuchar” y ofreciendo promesas sin- paña agresiva con el apoyo obvio de la Apoyo para la cadena de suministro “Siempre es una lucha para lle- ceras de “hacer las cosas bien” – si no gerencia. Un grupo de 58 trabajadores de gar hasta aquí, pero estos compañeros interviene el sindicato. “Queríamos un fuerte sindicato Oxbow emprendieron su propia lucha supieron unirse y lograrlo,” dijo. independiente, que nos diera una voz - para unirse al ILWU en 2005 cuando No se dejaron engañar por lágrimas Familathe señaló que JBA ha no un sindicato que ya estaba compar- votaron para unirse a la División de Como los trabajadores ya estaban prestado servicios de transporte a la tiendo la cama con la Compañía,” dijo Ocupaciones Conexas del Local 13. preparados justo para tal espectáculo, industria del petróleo durante más de Humberto Alvarez, conductor veterano Desde entonces, han negociado con pocos se dejaron engañar cuando un 30 años, y dijo que su empresa matriz, de JBA. éxito contratos con Oxbow – una funcionario de JBA se reunió con los Bragg, es una empresa exitosa con Casi todos los conductores traba- empresa del multimillonario William trabajadores para rogarles “por una contratos sindicales que amparan a jan fuera de la sede de JBA en Wilming- Koch que controla una buena parte oportunidad más” sin el ILWU. En vez muchos empleados. del comercio del coque del petróleo en ton, CA, aunque dos conductores que de dejarse llevar por los lloriqueos, “Estamos preparados y dispuestos este país. hacen recorridos a las refinerías de la los trabajadores de JBA siguieron fiel- a hacer nuestra parte, así que espe- Bahía tienen su base en Pittsburgh, CA. La solidaridad hace la diferencia mente con su plan y votaron abruma- ramos negociar un contrato justo con doramente a favor de unirse al ILWU. Realizan un tarea vital “Nosotros ya conocíamos a los JBA,” dijo Familathe. Los trabajadores de JBA realizan compas de JBA porque vienen aquí No al sindicato de empresa Cuestiones de interés una tarea vital al acarrear el coque, un todo el tiempo,” dijo Steve Cannon, Una campaña simultánea por el Algunas de las preocupaciones subproducto del proceso de refinado quien ha trabajado en Oxbow durante Sindicato de los Teamsters para ganar que motivaron que los conductores que constantemente se acumula den- más de una década. “ A nosotros se nos la elección sindical no llegó a nada, a de JBA se unieran al ILWU incluyen tro de las refinerías cuando el petróleo hizo fácil ayudarles porque nosotros pesar de que armó un espectáculo con la falta de respeto, los problemas de crudo es transformado en una amplia también pasamos por los mismos prob- grandes camiones con vallas publicita- programación, la distribución injusta gama de productos, desde la gasolina lemas antes de afiliarnos a ILWU.” rias enormes, muchas chaquetas de los del trabajo, períodos de espera largos y otros combustibles hasta brea para Los trabajadores de JBA respondi- Teamsters y decenas de volantes. La y a veces sin pago, y el uso de sub- pavimentar los caminos. eron positivamente a los consejos de estrecha relación entre los directores contratistas independientes. los trabajadores de Oxbow. “Ellos nos de la empresa que invitaron al Sindi- Un tipo diferente de coque “Hay problemas en JBA que necesi- dijeron lo que iba a hacer la admin- cato de los Teamsters a que se involu- El coque proveniente del petróleo tan ser corregidos, pero todos nosotros istración a la hora de la verdad justo crara después de que los trabajadores es un material duro y gris que con- nos sentimos mejor ahora que tenemos antes de la votación, y sus predicciones expresaron su apoyo para el ILWU, tiene mucho más grafito que el car- un sindicato,” dijo Angel Jáuregui. “El fueron 100% exactas,” dijo Humberto condenó ese esfuerzo al fracaso a ojos bón. Los conductores de JBA acar- tener el apoyo de compañeros del sin- Alvarez, conductor de JBA. de los trabajadores. rean este “coque de petróleo” usando dicato ILWU en Oxbow y de otros en una flota de 29 tractores y 75 doble la zona del puerto es muy importante para nosotros. Estamos contentos de formar parte de ILWU.”

8 DISPATCHER • October 2016