www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS TRANSITIONS controversial coalterminal Oakland Councilkills “hour ofsilence” fallen co-workerswith West Coastdockershonored of Ballantyne Celebration honorsBattle LETTERS TODISPATCHER Cleophas Williams,firstAfrican-American President ofLocal10page6 Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union DISPATCHER 8 3 2 2

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T keeps theunionstrong. celebrated thesolidaritythat gave birthtotheILWU and struggle andsacrificesthat paid theirrespects forthe The ceremonies andpicnics ofBloodyThursday.niversary Coast tomarkthe82ndan- halls up and down the West parks, cemeteriesandunion elected officialsgathered at Bridges ParkinLongBeach. emony followedbyapicnic atHarry day wasmarkedbyamemorial cer- members, friendsandfamily.The Area involvedupto2,000ILWU Thursday traditionintheHarbor Southern California ILWU memberscelebrate Southern California’s Bloody munity supportersand bers, their families, com- housands ofILWU mem- 82nd anniversaryof The Local10DrillTeam servedastheColorGuardatBloodyThursdayeventinSanFrancisco. Bloody Thursday The eventwassponsoredbyBALMA,Locals10,34,75,91andthePensioners.

the processionofcarsthat stretched from SanPedrotoGardena towitness an estimated8,000lining the streets ing ofbothmenwasimpressive, with wounds. Publicresponsetothekill- to lifeforweeksbeforedyingofhis hospital whileJohnKnudsenclung Dickie Parkerdiedonthewayto 1934 atBerth145inWilmington. shortly aftermidnightonMay15, company-employed securityguards union members.Theywerekilledby being shot,alongwithfiveother both buriedatRooseveltParkafter Parker andJohnKnudsen,were First Bloodof1934 to theunion. bloody 1934 struggles that gave birth the firsttwomartyrskilledin ILWU membersgatheredtohonor na’s RooseveltMemorialParkwhere assembly of100peopleatGarde- Morning formartyrs First Bloodmartyrs,Dickie The day began with a morning DISPATCHER •July/August 20161 VOL 74,NO7•JULY/AUGUST 2016 poem hewrotetocommemorate the the ILWU. on thestrugglesnecessarytobuild it allowedtimeforeveryonetoreflect part oftheBloodyThursdaybecause memorial wasthemostmeaningful prayer tostarttheservice. Nevieritte ledtogroupinashort reflections. Local13memberJavier of DickieParker,offeringprayersand They gatheredquietlyatthegraveside the Longshoremen’sMotorcycleClub. cars andscoresofmotorcyclesfrom whom arrived in dozens of classic together 50participants–mostof Reflections union cause. ful, publicsupportincreasedforthe because botheventswerepeace- of ariotfollowingthe funeral, but six miles.Lawenforcementwarned Pensioner JerryBradyrecited a Blanco saidthatthemorning Local 13’sAngelBlancocalled continued onpage4

LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER Dear Editor, we learned of how the maritime workers placed flowers by the area where their At Redmond Middle School fellow strikers had died, and when the police came, they kicked the flowers away, (Redmond, Washington), National refusing to accept their mistake. The longshoremen returned, piling new flowers History Day is a project presented in several feet in the air; the police then had no choice but to leave them alone. This the history and language arts classes to incidence of the longshoremen’s solidarity against police oppression demonstrated eighth graders. Upon forming our the strength of the workers. That same strength allowed them to continue fight- group, Ashley, Eileen, and I discovered ing and eventually reach victory. that we had a common interest: the Great Depression era. We wanted to find After the 1934 Strike, Harry Bridges and the new ILWU decided not to lay off an impactful and fascinating topic that we could have a personal connection to. African Americans who were originally hired as strikebreakers. They also began The 1930s were filled with change; President Roosevelt created the New Deal, hiring new African Americans, and in the next couple of decades, women would outlining a plan to pull America out of the Depression, and there was a growing be invited to work as well. We found the ILWU’s effort to extinguish discrimina- awareness of inequality throughout the classes. During this era, the labor move- tion, long before most of the country would try to, as one of its most unique ment gained massive momentum and the number of strikes and protests increased aspects. In speaking with many experts on the Waterfront Strike and ILWU, includ- drastically. Through further research, we noticed that one particular name was ing President Sean Farley of ILWU Local 34, labor historian Dr. Ronald E. Magden, always popping up: The 1934 West Coast Waterfront Strike. and Mr. Conor M. Casey, head of the Labor Archives at the University of Washing- On May 9th, 1934, over 12,000 longshoremen from Bellingham, Washington ton, we discovered that the ILWU has always been known for its democratic views. to San Pedro, California went on strike for 83 days, showing incredible strength We find it surprising how decades later, the same groups of people that the ILWU and ultimately receiving nearly all of their demands, regarding higher pay, safer treated as equals are still facing injustice and discrimination in American society. conditions, union recognition, and control over hiring halls. What was most We have been working on this project since September, and finished this surprising to us about this topic was that a single exploration of the rights of the month. We invested many hours each week, spent time on either researching, entire working class had such a substantial effect on the movement as a whole. writing the script, narrating, or putting together the documentary. It was a long The Waterfront Strike inspired a wave of future strikes and protests and helped and difficult process, and we encountered many struggles along the way. For gain public support for labor. Moreover, since we live in the Seattle area, we felt instance, one content-related problem we faced was finding actual evidence that an even greater attraction for the topic, for Seattle is a major port and many sig- the longshoremen’s intention was not to spread communism through the strike. In nificant events during the strike took place in our city. the end, I think we created a product that was unique because people aren’t very Once we chose our topic, we researched for months and wrote a paper before aware of labor unionism anymore and it’s important to take a look back at history deciding to create a documentary. Throughout this process, we received support and acknowledge the role that unionism has played in helping the working class and guidance from our teachers, Ms. Elizabeth Dunsire and Mrs. Leah Smith. By achieve equality. January, we had the first version of our documentary, which we presented in class. At the State competition on April 23rd, 2016, our entry, “A Wave of Change: From there, we continued on to the Regional, State, and National competitions. The 1934 West Coast Waterfront Strike” placed first in the category Junior Group We were not familiar with the ILWU prior to researching the 1934 Waterfront Documentary. A total of eight students from our school advanced to the National Strike, for none of us have relatives or friends with connections to the union. competition in Washington, D.C., accompanied by our teacher Mrs. Smith, and we competed with over 100 entries in our category from across the world. In addition to the sole impact of this strike, something we found surprising Unfortunately, we did not place at the National competition, but the experience was the amount of opposition the police and politicians showed the dockworkers. was definitely worth it. Even though the workers’ actions were legal by the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, the government opposed the strike and believed it was an unneces- Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our documentary and sary act meant to cause disruption. The police and National Guard troops initiated experience. brutal violence, using tear gas, clubs, and eventually guns to try to break the strike Finally, here is a link to our documentary: https://youtu.be/7dJjTyDgqhQ. and force the ports open. The public realized that the police were wrong in their Sincerely, actions when they fatally shot two strikers in San Francisco, Howard Sperry and Ananya Jain Nick Bordoise. Additionally, in the documentary on the strike, Bloody Thursday,

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Westerand, spoke about his fam- Celebration honors ily’s involvement in the 1935 Strike. I noted that our pensioner brother Battle of Ballantyne Max Hurren, elder statesman of our union, was unable to attend this year ach summer, longshore tinued organizing and established as he has moved to Vancouver Island. workers and pensioners a democratic longshore union two I also shared a story of my family’s gather at New Brighton years later in 1937 that eventually role in the Ballantyne struggle and E became today’s ILWU. Park along the waterfront in explained how my own grandfather the East End of Vancouver, This year’s Ballantyne Memo- had supported the 1935 strike. rial service on June 18th was well British Columbia. We come to I was only able to see a few of attended with the largest turnout in the many brothers who attended Honoring Canadians who honor the men who fought a five years. About 70 people braved the from our longshore and foreman’s sacrificed: ILWU Canada’s past brave battle at Ballantyne Pier lousy weather, most disguised under President Gordie Westrand spoke at locals, because most were hidden the Ballantyne memorial on June 18. during a bitter strike in 1935. umbrellas as the rain poured down. under their umbrellas. But I was able The event honored strikers from the On June 18 of that year, 1000 ILWU Canada President Rob to see some of the Local 514 brother waterfront struggle of 1935. Turnout longshoremen and supporters Ashton spoke at the event. He retirees, including Brian Jones, Don was good despite the bad weather. marched through the streets from explained that labour struggles have Coccia, Rolf Grigull, Spike Contini, Vancouver up along the waterfront changed from the days during the Tony Brown, Joe Giulani, and Vice taking so many good photos on such to a pier in Ballantyne where strike- Battle of Ballantyne when workers President Ron Roberts. Many young a dark and challenging day. breakers were unloading cargo. were violently attacked with billy members were also in attendance but We hope to see more Brothers next Police and company goons violently clubs – to today when workers are because I have been retired for 14 year! attacked with guns, clubs and other under attack from international cor- years, I do not know their names. Brother Gary Green, weapons. Although those brave men porations and finance capital. We want to thank brother Barry Local 514 Retired lost their strike that year, they con- Our pensioner brother, Gordie Campbell for braving the rain and ILWU Canada

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 • July/August 2016 West Coast dockers honored fallen co-workers with “hour of silence” on July 7 LWU dockworkers joined an Recent death in Longview international day of action that In Longview, Washington, mem- Itook place across the globe on bers of Local 21 are still grieving the July 7th by observing an “hour recent loss of Jimmy Meadows, Jr., who of silence” before 12 noon to suffered a serious injury on June 21 and died four days later in a Portland honor workers who have died hospital. Meadows had been working while working on the docks here for S.S.A. Marine aboard a log ship at and abroad. the Weyerhaeuser dock when he fell. Global docker networks OSHA is investigating the incident but may not have a report for six months. The International Day of Action was organized by the two leading net- Memorial for Meadows works that connect dockers around the On July 9, ILWU members, friends world: the International Dockwork- and families gathered at the Local 21 ILWU members from Locals 13, 63 and 94 in the Port of Los Angeles join the ers Council (IDC) and the Interna- hall in Longview for a memorial to July International Day of Action on July 7 to honor workers who have died tional Transport Workers’ Federation honor Meadows and his life. Among while working on the dock here and abroad. (ITF). The groups represent hundreds the many who attended were ILWU of thousands of workers at ports in International President Bob McEll- almost every country. rath, International Vice-President Ray Advance notice provided Familathe and Coast Committeeman Cam Williams. The union provided advance notice to the Pacific Maritime Asso- On July 6, McEllrath issued a state- ciation (PMA) employer group, which ment to the news media explaining the acknowledged and recognized the serious issues behind the International ILWU’s action. Day of Action. “We will stand in solidarity with Fatality in Los Angeles dockworkers in America and around The events had special resonance the world who are calling attention at ports where workers have recently to dangerous working conditions and been killed on the job. On March 30, the need to respect the rights of all Anthony Harris, a member of the Local workers.” Local 29 members at the Port of San Diego showed their solidarity on July 7th. 63 Marine Clerks was killed on the job at the Port of Los Angeles. McEllrath & Adams attend RMT union meeting in stormy England hen ILWU Interna- Chaos after the EU vote political party that has been gaining tional President Bob As Mick Cash called the RMT strength with a charismatic leader who McEllrath and Sec- meeting to order, the Brexit fallout won votes by blaming job losses and W falling incomes on EU bureaucrats, free retary-Treasurer Willie Adams was quickly mounting: stock markets trade agreements and immigrant work- arrived as special guests at the were slipping, the value of Britain’s pound was eroding, and deep divisions ers. The potent combination of big- Annual General Meeting of Brit- emerged within the anti-union Tory otry and patriotism – combined with ain’s Rail, Maritime and Transport party that forced conservative Prime the absence of a Labour Party plan to workers union (RMT) in Cardiff, Minister David Cameron to announce help workers – allowed the UKIP to England, on June 26, they didn’t his resignation. Tensions were also win support from angry white work- expect to be witnessing Britain’s rising in Britain’s Labour Party, ing-class voters. UKIP policies favor most contentious political debate where pro-business politicians tried to the rich and big business, similar to Trump’s call for lower business taxes, in decades. remove party leader Jeremy Corbyn,

a strong supporter of workers, unions less regulation, “law and order” and Photo courtesy of RMT “We got there as all hell was and progressive causes. weaker civil rights. Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams spoke breaking loose over the ‘Brexit’ deci- at Britain’s RMT meeting in June. sion because British voters had just RMT concerns with Labour Failures of the EU The RMT and other unions have decided to leave the European Union,” One RMT leader after another Britain’s Labour Party as it has been in long-opposed the European Union’s said McEllrath. “It was impressive to expressed frustration with Labour the U.S. Democratic Party. Both parties neo-liberal policies that have encour- see how the RMT’s rank-and-file and Party politicians who have been turn- have strayed from their working class aged public transportation systems to leadership responded to all the chal- ing their back on workers and unions roots in favor of “neo-liberal” policies be privatized and managed by opera- lenges and opportunities that suddenly in favor of big business. Efforts that require politicians to be business- tors using low-wage or non-union surfaced after the Brexit vote.” by these “moderate” politicians to friendly and hard on unions. These labor. Those policies – along with depose party leader Jeremy Corbyn new “moderate” and “pro-business” Militant union with ILWU ties secretly-negotiated free-trade deals, was seen as a dangerous move that elements have also turned-off working The RMT is one of Britain’s most austerity measures and an influx of could cause more workers to aban- class voters – and made them open to militant unions with close ties to the don the Labour Party. immigrant refugees – have made the ILWU. In 2012, former RMT Gen- appeals from politicians like Donald “They’ve created a situation,” said EU a prime target for right-wing dema- eral Secretary Bob Crow attended the Trump, who use celebrity, national- RMT General Secretary Mick Cash. gogues looking for working class votes. ILWU International Convention in San ism, and bigotry to win votes. “If we’re not careful, we’ll have a Tory Labour’s lost opportunity Diego where he praised the willingness Solidarity and hardball government — and worse, a Tory gov- The RMT wants Britain’s Labour of both unions to fight for working “We came to the RMT meeting to ernment that’s supported by UKIP.” party to mount an aggressive fight-back class concerns. When Crow died unex- watch, learn and deliver a solidarity campaign to win working class votes by pectedly in 2014 at the age of 52, Mick Rise of far-right forces message from the ILWU – which Wil- putting people to work and strength- Cash was elected to become RMT’s Cash’s comment about “UKIP” lie Adams and I did – but we also came ening unions. But that approach has General Secretary. refers to the United Kingdom Inde- away with quite an education about proven as difficult to implement in pendence Party, a far-right nationalist British politics,” said McEllrath.

DISPATCHER • July/August 2016 3 ILWU members celebrate 82nd anniversary of Bloody Thursday continued from page 1 role that longshore workers play in the fallen martyrs that were surrounded Sheth and Oliver Twist. Two other sacrifice made by Parker and Knud- economy of the Southern California. by flowers. The absence of Drill Team clowns, Ravioli and Squeegie, provided sen. He was followed by Jerry Avilla, Attendees included Congresswoman founder and leader, Captain Josh Wil- balloon art creations. Southern California Region Benefits Loretta Sanchez, who is also candi- liams, was felt by many who noted his A hearty lunch buffet was provided Specialist, Pacific Coast Pensioner date for US Senate, State Senator and recent passing on June 2. His memory by BALMA and volunteers, with enter- President Greg Mitre, Coast Com- candidate for US Congress in the 44th and legacy were graciously honored tainment by musician Tami Lyn and mitteeman Frank Ponce De Leon and Congressional District, Isadore Hall, by Drill team member Trevyn McCoy her band. former ILWU International President Warren Furutani and Steve Bradford, who spoke eloquently about the Cap- The afternoon concluded with a Dave Arian. candidates for CA State Senate in the tain, following a stirring acapella rendi- San Francisco Bay cruise on a Blue & “Without Parker and Knudsen 35th District, Long Beach City Coun- tion of the national anthem by Aaliyah Gold ferry staffed by members of the doing what they did and the sacrifices cil members Roberto Uranga and Al Washington-Purry. Inlandboatmen’s Union and Masters, made by the old-timers you see around Austin, Long Beach Council member- Bay Area Pensioner President Mates & Pilots Union. you here today, we wouldn’t have what elect Jeannine Pearce, and Los Angeles George Cobbs gracefully performed his BALMA President Chris Chris- we have,” Mitre said. Mayor Eric Garcetti. longtime role as Master of Ceremonies, tensen said, “This event requires a Arian encouraged everyone at the Garcetti addressed the event at introducing a host of special guests and small army of volunteers who deserve memorial to reach out and speak to length. He talked about his long rela- speakers, including Local 10 President all the credit for making it such a someone at the picnic who did not tionship with the ILWU from the Ed Ferris, Secretary-Treasurer Derrick successful, family-friendly experience.” know who Parker and Knudsen were. beginnings of his political career to Muhammad, BALMA President Chris He specifically thanked the Credit “If they don’t know, tell them. It’s our his support for the ILWU during the Christensen, BALMA Treasurer Mike Union, Locals 10, 34, 75, 91 and 6; responsibility to keep their memory recent Longshore contract negotia- Villeggiante, Coast Benefits Specialist the Drill Team, Pensioners Club, Aux- and their story alive,” Arian said. tions. Noting the record year of cargo John Castanho, former Local 10 Presi- iliary #17, OPEIU Local 29 staff and all moves in the Port of Los Angeles, dent Melvin Mackay, Local 6 Secre- Procession volunteers including Carlos Villanueva Garcetti said, “Don’t tell me you can’t tary-Treasurer Fred Pecker, Pensioners and Kelley Kane. After the memorial, a caravan of have high productivity and good Joe Lucas and George Romero, Local Seattle classic cars, cruisers, hot-rods and Har- wages. The two go hand-in-hand.” He 34 President Dave Gonzales and Vice leys slowly pulled out of the Memorial praised the ILWU for standing behind President Jeanette Walker-Peoples. Seattle area members began their Park behind a hearse donated by All Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders State Assemblymember David Chiu, Bloody Thursday observance with an Soul’s Mortuary in Long Beach. The but said that it was important to unite longtime union supporter and friend early morning ceremony at the Pier mock funeral procession made its way to defeat Donald Trump in November. of the ILWU, was a special guest who 91 cruise ship terminal located at to Harry Bridges Park in Long Beach “We’ve got to Dump Trump,” he said. presented a resolution honoring the Smith Cove – site of a labor battle on where hundreds of family members “He stands against everything that we union’s legacy of struggle and sacrifice. July 19,1934 where maritime strik- were already gathered for the Bloody ers clashed with police and company believe in.” Cobbs and other speakers com- Thursday picnic. goons. Striking seafarer Olaf Helland There was a surprise visit from mented with great respect on the June was struck in the head and killed by Picnic with a purpose Kathy Bridges, Harry’s third daugh- 24 passing of Cleophas Williams who a police tear gas projectile while many Union members arriving at the ter. She briefly addressed the celebra- was Local’s 10’s former and first Afri- others were wounded. This year, park could hear it was happening from tion and thanked everyone for coming can-American President. His depar- Local 19 members placed a wreath of the parking lot thanks to the excel- out to celebrate Bloody Thursday. “We ture, along with Josh Williams and flowers into the bay to honor all seven lent live music provided by three local have to remember the past, to move Ralph Rooker who passed on Decem- of the martyrs who died in 1934. One bands. “Tropic” opened the event, fol- forward in the future,” she said. ber 19, 2015, was cited as a legacy of them was Shelvy Daffron, a local lowed by a mid-day performance from worthy of further reflection. Bay Area strike leader who was shot in the back the group “Azure,” and ended with President Ed Ferris noted that the Members, pensioners and support- and killed by an assassin at Wells “Low Key” who closed out the event. trio of recently-deceased pensioners ers from throughout the Bay Area came Point, about 10 miles north of Seattle, A dance floor was set up in front of the remained active until their passing. to the Longshoremen’s Memorial Hall on the evening of July 30, 1934. stage for couples, kids and individuals “They never forgot where we came on July 5th for a day-long event mark- Daffron and a group of strikers had to cut loose. from, and how so many sacrificed so ing the 82nd anniversary of Bloody gone there to the Standard Oil (now much to create this wonderful Union. A wide-range of food and drinks Thursday, presented by the Bay Area Chevron) tank farm after hearing that That is why these Brothers were always were available at no cost to members Longshoremen’s Memorial Association non-union strikebreakers were trying present at our Bloody Thursday events and families that included hot dogs, (BALMA). to move products. hamburgers, and tacos. each year. Their leadership, wisdom, The morning began with a solemn Local 19 Pensioner President Carl and guidance will be forever missed by Kid Zone ceremony to honor Howard Sperry Woeck organized a ceremony at Shelvy all of us at Local 10.” Much of the picnic festivities and Nick Bordoise, two strikers killed Daffron’s gravesite at the Lakeside When the ceremony ended, doz- focused on entertainment for kids – by police on July 5, 1934, who were Cemetery to honor him and the six ens of children were ready to begin a which gave grown-ups a chance to among seven workers killed that sum- other 1934 martyrs who gave their full day of entertainment provided by relax and socialize while their chil- mer. After Scott Barton played “taps,” lives for the union. the ILWU Credit Union that included dren played safely on a dizzying assort- the Local 10 Drill Team honor guard magic shows by John Gardinier, face ment of activities that included several marched into their traditional posi- painting by Buki the Clown, Yogita bounce houses, slides, basketball, car- tion behind the outlined bodies of the nival games and face painting. Pensioner & Auxiliary presence The Southern California Pension- ers Group had a booth with tables, chairs, food and goodies available for dozens who dropped-by. The always active ILWU Federated Auxiliary Local 8 ladies worked the crowd, selling raf- fle tickets for a local benefit. Just a dash of politics An impressive roster of politicians attended the picnic to mingle, shake hands and provide short greetings. Following short comments by Local 13 President Bobby Olvera Jr, Local 94 President Danny Miranda and Local 63 Searching for silver dollars: Games, contests and prizes kept kids busy President Paul Trani, the elected offi- at Local 21’s picnic. Besides digging through hay bales for hidden silver dollars, there Off to the races: The Bloody Thurs- cials paid their respects to the union’s were piñatas filled with candy, and gunny-sack races, an inflatable bounce house plus day Picnic in Tacoma, had gunny-sack bloody beginnings and the important cotton candy and sno-cones. races and other games for kids.

4 DISPATCHER • July/August 2016 Auxiliary 17: (LtoR) Auxiliary 17 members Kim Austin, Clydenia Austin, Alice Celebrating with family: Bryan Adams with his wife Alicia and childred Bozeman, Linsley Bock and Kathy Robinson were on hand to honor Bloody Thursday. Malachi, age 5 and Noel, age 8, celebrated Bloody Thursday together at Local 10.

After the morning ceremonies including Charlie Wilbert, Randy Wil- concluded, ILWU members from bur, Cosette Hill, Max Proctor, Danny throughout the Seattle area gathered at & Sam Philio, Warren Fairbanks & the annual picnic in honor of Bloody family, Justin Hirsch, Mark Williams, Thursday at Vasa Park on Lake Sam- Mike Callanan and Nick Budinich. mamish. Donations from Locals 52, Local 19 member Andrew Szarka vol- 98 and the Pensioners supplemented unteered to take over 200 photographs a generous contribution from Local 19 at the event. members who made it possible for an “Sarah and the other volunteers estimated 500 participants to enjoy a showed a willingness from the begin- special day together. ning to do the hard work that made A BBQ meal with all the fixins’ was this event such a success, said Local 19 served along with plenty of drinks and President Rich Austin, Jr. “All of us owe snacks. Children took advantage of a these volunteers a tremendous debt bouncy castle, water slide, balloon ani- of gratitude.” mals, and airbrush tattoos – plus end- Portland less access to the lake for swimming Portland’s 82nd Annual July 5th and boating – which meant many par- Memorial Picnic attracted an estimated First Blood: ILWU Pensioner Jerry Brady reads one of his poems about the 1934 ents were able to enjoy some time with 1500 members, pensioners, families West Coast Strike at the gravesite of Dickie Parker in Gardena, CA. themselves and friends while their kids and friends for an all-day event at the were busy having fun. Oaks Amusement Park. boatmen’s Union (IBU), Auxiliary 5, An estimated 350 family members A performance by the Seattle Labor The picnic was made possible the Columbia River Pensioners and the participated this year. A barbeque lunch Chorus provided entertainment. thanks to generous donations from Local 8 Federal Credit Union. featured hundreds of burgers and dogs Local 19’s Sarah Esch coordinated ILWU Locals 8, 40, 92, the Inland- As in past years, the day began that quickly disappeared. Children the event with a team of volunteers with a ceremony honoring those who were able to play in an inflatable gave their lives in 1934 to establish bounce house. Pony rides were avail- the union that eventually became the able for younger kids, and a local artist ILWU. A wreath of flowers was placed provided face-painting for children and in the Willamette River as Local 8 adults. The bingo game sponsored by member Paul Grainnard played taps. the Auxiliary was as popular as before. A team of volunteers from Local 5, Sno-cones were included this year for Local 8, Local 40, Local 92, IBU and the first time and proved to be a big hit. the Columbia River Pensioners helped The event was planned and exe- serve over 1500 hot dogs, 36 gallons cuted by a hard-working team headed of chili and 1800 ice cream bars at by Eric Sowers and Art Jackson with the picnic. Local 8 Vice President Jeff continued on page 8 Smith helped coordinate the event and thanked Ashley Hill for running the kitchen, Stacey Alford for cooking the hot dogs, Tom Wehage for selling raffle tickets, Steffen Hill for selling the Carnival games: The Kids Zone at Harry Bridges Park in Long Beach had plenty of carnival games for kids and adults to enjoy. Kids tested their strength with a sledge amusement ride bands, Matt McMahon hammer, shot hoops, and enjoyed bounce houses, slides and face paintings. for donating the use of his boat. Local 8 Secretary Troy Mosteller and President Mike Stanton also pitched-in to volun- teer with their family members. The Amusement Park offered a wide range of entertainment that included carnival rides and games, roller skating, go-karts and mini-golf. Bingo games were provided by Auxil- iary #5 members throughout the day. Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Jaron Jacobsen of 3J Mobile Music. Tacoma celebrates lakeside Local 23 members in Tacoma returned to beautiful Spanaway Lake Surprise guest: Kathy Bridges, Park again this year where they daughter of Harry Bridges, was a surprise guest at the Bloody Thursday honored Bloody Thursday with a Picnic in Long Beach. Local, state and federal elected officials came out to show their support for traditional picnic on July 5th. the ILWU and honor the history of Bloody Thursday in Southern California.

DISPATCHER • July/August 2016 5 IN MEMORIUM Cleophas Williams: Local 10’s first African American President

integrated, and it was a clear improve- in the labor movement. It was orga- which is bestowed on an outstanding ment from the racism he experienced nized after the AFL-CIO took a “neu- labor activist. in the South, Williams said that he still tral” position on Presidential candidates “As the first African-American experienced discrimination. Although Richard Nixon and George McGovern. President of ILWU Local 10, brother he paid dues to the IBEW, Williams Many black labor leaders believed this Cleophas Williams was certainly a recalled that it was clear he was not decision ignored the voice of African- groundbreaker,” said Local 10 Presi- welcome at the union meetings, so he American union members who were dent Ed Ferris. “Our entire member- never attended any. concerned that the Nixon campaign ship benefited greatly from his dedi- Williams was drafted and served in was using coded language about crime cated service to the ILWU and he will the Army during 1942-43, but was dis- and poverty to exploit racial tension be deeply missed by all of us. I will charged because of a knee injury. He and roll back progress on Civil Rights. personally miss listening to him share returned to work at Moore’s Shipyard At the time, the CBTU meeting was the stories about our rich history at Local until 1944 when he heard there was single largest gathering of black trade 10 membership meetings and Bloody plenty of longshore work available. He unionists in US history. Thursday events. He was a wonder- began work on the docks in February Professor and activist Angela Davis ful example of what a true Union man leophas Williams, the first of 1944. sent a letter to of condolences to Local should strive to be.” 10 and Williams’ widow, Sadie. “Per- African-American President Learning from leaders “The ILWU lost an icon with the sonally, I am indebted to Cleophas for passing of Cleophas Williams,” said Cof Local 10, passed away on Williams said he learned a lot presenting the resolution at the ILWU ILWU International President Rob- June 24th. He served four-terms about longshoring from experi- Convention in 1972 to “Free Angela ert McEllrath. “Cleophus’s leadership as President of Local 10, including enced black longshoremen who had Davis” that helped turn the tide of influenced several generations of ILWU migrated from the Gulf Coast in service during the 1971 strike. the government-orchestrated frame- members. He will be remembered not search of the readily available work. Williams was born in Camden, up against me,” Davis wrote. The let- only for his lifelong dedication to Civil He said that he didn’t feel any hostil- Arkansas in 1923. His father, John ter thanked Local 10 for it long history Rights but for his role in making the ity from the white longshoremen, but Henry Williams, was Principal of a of support for Civil Rights including ILWU the strong, democratic union some were indifferent. “You were kind school for black children. His mother, recent demonstrations of solidarity that it is today.” of a non-person to them. They’d walk Bertha, was also a school teacher. She with victims of police violence. A celebration of life on July 16 died when Cleophas was 3 years old by and wouldn’t speak to you,” Wil- liams said in his oral history. Local 10 leader attracted hundreds of family, friends and his father later remarried. Williams and rank-and-file union members who In addition to his on-the job train- Over the course of his career Wil- described his step-mother as a “very came to honor Williams. Union officials ing, Williams got help from veteran liams was elected by the membership caring, meticulous and loving mother” attending included ILWU International black longshoremen Johnny Walker to serve in many leadership capacities, in the oral history he conducted with President Bob McEllrath, Secretary- and Albert James, who guided Wil- including a delegate to the Northern historian Harvey Schwartz that was Treasurer Willie Adams, Vice President liams through the ins-and-outs of California District Council, Local 10 published in the book, Solidarity Stories. Ray Familathe, Coast Committeemen union politics. He said their leadership Board of Trustees, Longshore Caucus After the stock market crash of Frank Ponce De Leon and Cam Wil- and experience helped other African- delegate and chair of the Longshore 1929, Cleophas’s father saw his wages liams, Pacific Coast Pensioners Presi- Americans in Local 10 more effectively Caucus. drop dramatically, so he decided to dent Greg Mitre, Bay Area Pensioners articulate their views and fight for their In 1964 Williams was elected as try his hand at farming. He bought a President George Cobbs, and Local 6 vision in the local. a dispatcher at Local 10, and in 1965 15-acre farm and when the corn was Secretary Treasurer Fred Pecker. “I was still very young; I listened. I he narrowly lost an election for Secre- ready for harvest, the Ku Klux Klan Cobbs and Adams joined a host didn’t even understand how you made tary-Treasurer in a runoff. In 1967 he rode-in and destroyed the crop. The of family members and religious lead- a motion on the union floor. I had to became the Local’s first African-Amer- Klan often targeted black-owned farms ers who praised Williams’ leadership, learn totally from scratch. But I learned ican President. He served as President in this manner to keep black work- courage and determination. ers from gaining independence and to from them and others,” Williams said. for four terms. “Cleophas decided early in life to ensure that there were plenty of black Williams also received an educa- “Although he was the first Afri- devote his intellectual and political laborers available to work for white tion at the California Labor School can-American President of Local 10, gifts and his extraordinary capacity for landowners at low wages. (CLS). The CLS was supported by Cleophas always saw himself as a hard work to the service of the ILWU dozens of labor unions and provided leader for everyone in the union, not Despite the attacks by white rac- membership. He was a champion of courses on economics, politics, and just one group,” said historian Harvey ists, the Williams family was generous workers’ rights, civil rights, human sociology in addition to practical skills Schwartz, who interviewed Williams to poor white migrants who came to rights, a champion of the weak, poor for union members and officers, such extensively about his life and career in their door for food during the Great and the voiceless,” said Adams. “In the as how to produce a leaflet or news- the ILWU. “He shared Harry Bridges’s Depression. Although the Williams words of the late Muhammad Ali, ‘Ser- paper. The school was closed in the belief that a democratic, multi-racial family struggled themselves, they vice to others is the rent you pay for 1950s during McCarthy-era Red Scare union was the best way for all workers always shared what little they had with your room on earth.’” others in need. because the school was associated with to move forward.” Cleophas recalled having to pick leftists and the Communist Party. Williams provided crucial lead- ership for the union during the 1971 cotton in order to try and make enough Fighting for Civil Rights strike and his strong connection to money to buy school clothes, but he Williams was dedicated to the Civil barely earned enough for a pair of the community helped provide local Rights struggle inside and outside the support for the ILWU. While serving shoes, so his parents decided to home- union. He was active with the NAACP. school him and his sisters. as Local 10 President during the mid- In 1959, he joined the “Longshore 56 1970s, Williams made the tough—and Escaping Jim Crow Club,” an organization with 12 mem- controversial—choice of instituting During the Second World War, bers that acted as a black caucus within a temporary monthly assessment of Williams made his way West along the union. The club fought against every member of the local to solve a with hundreds of thousands of other racial discrimination within the ILWU budget deficit. African Americans who joined the and organized to get African Americans Retired from the job, not the fight Great Migration in search of employ- hired as ships clerks and walking bosses ment in the booming defense plants up on the waterfront. In 1968, Williams Williams remained involved in North and out West – and to escape was chosen to represent Local 10 at the the ILWU after his retirement. He was brutal racism in the Jim Crow South. funeral for Dr. Martin Luther King. an active member of the Pacific Coast Pensioners Association and served on Williams was first hired out West In 1972, Williams represented that PCPA Executive Board. He also as an electrician’s helper at Moore’s Local 10 at the founding meeting of represented the Bay Area Pensioners Shipyard in Oakland where he worked the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. as a Board member of the Copra Crane on Liberty Ships. He eventually joined The meeting was held in Chicago and was attended by over 1,200 black trade Landmark Association. In 2015 Wil- the International Brotherhood of Elec- Photo courtesy of the ILWU Library and Archives liams was honored by the PCPA with trical Workers (IBEW) Local 595. unionists across the country who met Cleophas Williams (right) the Jesse and Lois Stranahan Award Though the workplace and union were to discuss the role of African-Americans with Harry Bridges

6 DISPATCHER • July/August 2016 Oakland Council kills controversial coal terminal akland City Council mem- The law & scientific evidence bers voted unanimously The Council based their decision Oto kill a controversial on scientific evidence that coal could coal export terminal on June 27. not be transported or exported safely, The terminal was opposed by a citing risks to workers, residents and the environment from hazardous coal broad coalition of community and dust. The Council also had the law environmental groups, including on their side, including new legisla- Bay Area ILWU locals and unions tion by State Senator Loni Hancock affiliated with the Alameda Central that recently passed in the State Senate Labor Council. and is awaiting action in the Assembly. Coal lobbyists threatened to sue the The right decision City and individual Council members “The Council’s ‘no’ vote was the for restricting coal exports, which they right decision for residents, workers implied was prohibited by free trade and the environment,” said Local 10 agreements like the NAFTA and TPP, Secretary-Treasurer Derrick Muham- but no claims have been filed in court.

mad who testified at the lengthy City Photo by David Bacon Slippery deals Council hearing. He was joined by Local 10 Secretary-Treasurer Derrick Muhammad hits the mic to address other ILWU leaders including Local 6 Developer and coal promoter Phil a crowd of community members who attended a June 25th rally to support the proposed coal ban in Oakland. Secretary-Treasurer Fred Pecker who Tagami won the right to redevelop serves on the ILWU’s Northern Cali- Oakland’s former waterfront Army fornia District Council. base in 2013 by using political con- any plans for one. But documents ing to do but weather the storm and nections and optimistic job forecasts, obtained by the East Bay Express show see what additional fallout occurs.” but he made no mention of any coal that Tagami and his partners had been By the time that the June 27 Coun- terminal then and later denied he had working with coal companies for far cil meeting rolled around, the Utah longer than they let on. Coal lobbyists subsidy scheme was out in the open in Utah were working to get Tagami’s and City staff had issued a report rec- team a $53 million subsidy for the coal ommending against the coal terminal. export terminal in Oakland, a plan Oakland’s Mayor, Libby Schaff and they tried to keep secret until emails Councilmember Dan Kalb introduced between Utah coal promoters were a resolution opposing the terminal. obtained and published in the newspa- Proponents made one final desperate per. The exposé upset coal proponents move by mailing a flyer to Oakland who wanted a “controlled message” residents that suggested they could response to the “unfortunate article.” get jobs if the terminal was built, and “If anything needs to be said, the implying that critics of the project were script was to downplay coal, and dis- racist. The mailer also listed the names cuss bulk products and a bulk termi- of union groups who hadn’t approved nal,” said one of the coal promoters, the flyer. who wrote that “Phil Tagami had been In the end, the Council voted unan- pleased with the low profile that was imously against the coal terminal, while bumping along to date on the terminal making it clear that the City remained ILWU turnout: Members from ILWU Locals 10, 34, 6 and 75 and the IBU were and it looked for days like it would just supportive of the developer’s original a part of a large showing by union members who were concerned about the health roll into production with no serious plan for a dock that could handle bulk effects that the proposed coal export terminal would have on workers and the discussion. At this point, there is noth- community of West Oakland. cargo and non-coal commodities.

DISPATCHER • July/August 2016 7 TRANSITIONS

NEW PENSIONERS: DECEASED PENSIONERS: Local 10: Clarence C. Thomas; Local 4: Ronald D. Mullane; Local 8: Edward L. Clay Jr; Arturo F. Estropia; Richard E. Mullen; Local 10: Cleophas Larry J. Degelman; Local 13: Charles Williams (Sadie); Alphonso Hurtado E. Kelley; Alexander A. Aguilar; (Selma); Donald Jones; Local 13: James R. Brickner; Kellee A. Durbin; Edward Falkenburg; Claude L. Steele; Joe S. Contreras; Benjamin D. Martin; Antonio Gentile; John Rivera; Local 23: William Jegier; Robert H. Wrenn Jr.; Michael R. Mc Millin; Ronald S. Roller; Derwood H. Hollar; Art Lomas; Local 24: Richard L. Gates; Local 34: Local 19: Dennis R. Crull; Stanley R. Gow; Local 50: Clarence W. Local 21: David J. Scott; Local 23: Ashbaugh; Local 52: Dennis J. Santos; Ernest F. Lay; Dennis R. Robinson; Local 54: Joseph Marchettoni; Local Local 26: Deborah A. Ortega; 63: Robert Osornio; Robert N. Collins; Local 34: Rosevelt Taylor; Brian T. Mc Terry A. Edwards; Local 92: Eugene Williams; Frank Borg; Local 40: Manning; Local 94: James Muldoon; Russell D. Fry; Local 46: William Nick Angelich; Ruelas; Local 51: Michael S. Forbes; DECEASED SURVIVORS: Local 54: Jesse M. Orona; Local 63: Local 4: Geraldine J. Hertz; Local 8: Rene R. Herrera; William G. Gonzales; Alberta Moody; Local 10: Lorene Billy R. Mcgee; Ana C. Chavez; Roy H. Harris; Lorraine Ross; Stella T. Perkins; Richardson; Local 75: Joseph Lois J. Adams; Local 13: Sharron Jones; Golnoghli; Local 91: Brian R. Mc Marjorie Van Delinder; Local 14: Mary Donald; Local 92: Douglas R. Carey; A. Davey; Local 19: Elva L. Martinez; Lloyd H. Pellham; Local 94: Jack K. Beulah V. Walker; Lorraine A. Stensen; Mathlin; James W. Richey; John A. Local 21: Alice L. Yokel; Local 51: Dadich; Local 98: Steven M. Taimi M. Uusitalo; Local 52: Ethel S. Bussanich; King; Local 53: Patricia M. Noel- Johnson; Local 63: Lucille Alford;

ILWU members celebrate 82nd anniversary of Bloody Thursday continued from page 5 The next step was for Rundell to plus cotton candy and snow-cone Kyle Copeland, Jeff Clowers, Dave recruit more help, which came from machines that ran all day long. While Daniel Rundell was finishing Windsor, Dragan Butorac, Warren Trevor Burnell, Mikey Doss, Robert Games included a “hay bale dig” up the next day after the picnic, VanWettering, Dave Barker and a Roden, Lon Ford, Dustin Hummel, for hidden silver dollars, three piñatas his wife became ill and died host of other volunteers who helped Ellie Halladay, Jackie Williamson- filled with candy and gunny sack races. suddenly on July 8. Many didn’t serve food, set-up and clean-up. As in Honrud and President Laurie Higgins A scavenger hunt attracted children realize that Rundell had just the past, Local 23 Pensioners and of Ladies Auxiliary #14. Together they who searched for eggs filled with candy, suffered a devastating personal Auxiliary #35 members were generous built a committee that held weekly money and tickets good for toys includ- loss when he attended the July 9 about volunteering their time. Local meetings to brainstorm, make plans ing bikes donated by Local 92. A pair memorial service to honor Local 23’s administrative staffer Tawni Bailey and assign tasks. of inflatable bounce-houses allowed 21 member Jimmie Meadows, Jr, handled coordination of the event “There’s an awful lot of work and kids to burn-off hundreds of calories. who died following a workplace like a pro. planning that goes into holding a suc- Face-painting was popular all day long accident in late June. Fellow “Continuing the Bloody Thurs- cessful event like this, but we had thanks to Randi Williamson. Bingo union member Jackie Williamson- day picnic tradition doesn’t happen by such a good team of volunteers,” said games run by Dustin Hummel attracted Honrud is working with Local 21 accident, so the volunteers who dedi- Honrud. “I remember how much fun a good crowd who enjoyed generous to establish a fund that will help cate their time and effort to keep it I had as a kid at picnics like these, so I prizes donated by local sponsors. Rundell (who is recovering from a alive are doing a great service for our wanted to pass along that experience to Contributions to underwrite the disability) support his 9 year-old union,” said Local 23 President Dean a new generation of children.” successful event included generous son and 10 year-old daughter. McGrath. “They deserve everyone’s The event was held at the Toutle cash donations from Local 21 and Donations can be sent to Account credit and recognition.” River RV Resort, north of Longview Local 40. The Ladies Auxiliary #14 11624 for the Rundell family at toward Mount St. Helens. Local fisher- made an impressive donation of $1000 the Lower Columbia Longshore- Longview revives a tradition man know the area because it’s where and Local 92 contributed 3 bicycles. men’s Federal Credit Union, Local 21 hadn’t done their own the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers create The Longview Pensioner Group gave 629 14th Avenue, Longview, Bloody Thursday event in Longview some excellent fishing holes, but the a donation along with a generous WA 98623. since 2009, but the tradition was ILWU families who came up on July 5th personal pledge from pensioner Jim revived this year thanks to a commit- were more interested in the landside “Red” Coffman. tee led by members Daniel Rundell and “It was great to see how this picnic facilities that included a swimming pool, Community contributions were Jackie Williamson-Honrud. continued to build on the good work Frisbee golf plus acres of space to play also significant factor, with dozens of “For several years, our members that’s been done by Local 21’s Com- and relax. local businesses providing donations went to the event in Portland, which munity Action Committee,” said Local Good food was abundant, includ- for a successful raffle. was great, but when I raised the idea 21 President Jason Lundquist. “It’s ing dogs, burgers, polish sausages, As the afternoon turned to eve- of doing our own picnic, my local important for us to maintain positive corn-on-the-cob and a variety of sal- ning, the mood mellowed at a large president challenged me to help orga- relations with small business leaders ads. For dessert, there was an endless fire pit where families came together to nize it – so I agreed to take it on,” here who understand how good union supply of cookies, cake and ice cream, roast marshmallows. said Rundell. jobs help everyone in our community.”

8 DISPATCHER • July/August 2016