JUNE 2020 INFORME DEL SECRETARIO TESORERO “No Puedo Respirar.”

Home , 8 to Abolition, Appomattox (statue), Boots Riley, Brian Harvey

www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS IEB meetsviavideoconference BOOKS &VIDEOS TRANSITIONS to Local13offices delivers 46,000masks Port ofLongBeach marches andrallies Juneteenth with Tacoma commemorate Seattle, Portlandand report Secretary-Treasurer’s Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union

page 5 8 8 8 6 2 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800. March towards justice: to CityHall. T of Oakland’sSSATerminal. sunny morningoutsidethePort memorate Juneteenthona of marchersassembledtocom- 10 and34leadersasthousands back ofaflatbedtruckbyLocal was invited to speak from the up to Vancouver, Canada. The goal up toVancouver,Canada. Thegoal reached fromthePortof San Diego a historiccoastwisestand-down that Ongoing struggleagainstracism Board memberMelvinMackay. Ferris andInternationalExecutive International Secretary-TreasurerEd Adams, whowasaccompaniedby are marchingwithoutapology,”said militant; theyaresmart,and streets all over theworld.They are historic Juneteenthaction The June 19th event was part of The June19theventwaspartof “Young peoplearetakingtothe ident Willie Adams, who ILWU International Pres- his isamovement!”said ILWU standsdownat West Coastportsfor to honorBlacklives The Local10DrillTeamkeptthepaceforthree-milemarchfromPortofOakland tice system. sweeping reform of the criminal jus- continuous protestsanddemands for on a cell phone video and triggered Floyd’s brutalmurderwascaught at thehandsofMinneapolispolice. killing of unarmed man George Floyd police violence,sparkedbythebrutal who joinedprotestsagainstracist across Americaandaroundtheworld solidarity withmillionsofpeople Killing thatsparkedamovement North America. first African slaveswere brought to persistent today – 400 years after the remainders ofwhicharestubbornly sometimes brutalrepression–the tury ofuniversaldiscriminationand icans whichwasfollowedbyacen- a CivilWarthatkilled850,000Amer- nation’s foundingdocuments,caused slavery in1619,iswovenintothe ca’s legacyofracismthatbeganwith was to raise awarenessabout Ameri- The stand-downwasanactof

beat drums,andjoined call-and- ant. Marcherschanted,sang songs, The atmospherewasfestive butdefi- ner andtheLocal10DrillTeam. marching behind the Local 10 ban- down MiddleHarborBoulevard, left theSSAterminalandstreamed Hall. Beforenoon,aseaofprotesters Oscar GrantPlazaatOaklandCity three-mile march from the port to ‘Say theirnames’ with dozensofcommunitygroups. Union, andILWUCanada–along national Union,theInlandboatmen’s from alllongshorelocals,theInter- June 19.Theireffortwonbacking ticipate in a united stand-down on locals upanddownthecoasttopar- lis andKeithShanklinencouraged and 34,wherePresidentsTrentWil- was organizedbyILWULocals10 Born intheBayArea DISPATCHER •JUNE2020 1 The morningrallykicked-offa The BayAreamarchandrally VOL 78,NO6•JUNE2020 continued onpage4

Photo by Brooke Anderson SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT “I can’t breathe.” hese three words seem- George Floyd. If she had not, one on perceived race and/or ethnic- ingly can’t get out of my could argue that the current wave of ity that defines one group as domi- head. Quite honestly, increased social activism and pub- nant to and more deserving than all T lic demand for police reform in this other groups. In this system, there is they have haunted me ever country would not exist. a dominant group (e.g. whites) and since I witnessed the recent I never met George Floyd, but there are subordinate groups includ- public police execution of after watching the video of his death ing Native Americans, Black Ameri- George Floyd on May 25, 2020. cans, Lantinx, and Asian Americans. by law enforcement, I shamefully ILWU International Racism is rooted in historical oppres- That is the day that former Min- realized that I personally haven’t Secretary-Treasurer sion (e.g. genocide of Native Ameri- neapolis policeman Derek Chauvin done enough to advocate for the Ed Ferris murdered Mr. George Floyd by significant changes and reforms cans, enslavement of Africans) such applying an illegal and unjustifiable required to end systemic racism. that subordinate groups were and are choke hold. You see, it isn’t enough to just defined as “inferior” to the “superior” That is the day that he knelt be kind, courteous, and decent to all dominant white group. The domi- “What is systemic racism or institutional racism?” with his full body weight on George people. It isn’t enough to not possess nant group created and currently Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and hate in your heart. It isn’t enough maintains societal privilege through Institutional racism is when soci- 46 seconds. to treasure diversity or inclusion, or values, behaviors, and institutions. etal institutions engage in practices This privilege results in subordinate that favor the dominant group and That is the day that three other have friends of all different types of groups lacking access to power, sta- practices that are biased against sub- former Minneapolis policemen ethnicities. We all must do more. tus, and resources.” ordinate groups. It is important to openly ignored Derek Chauvin’s In my opinion, we must collectively acknowledge that institutional racism criminal behavior. They all quietly recognize the vast societal inequities “One of the most common mis- in one domain reinforces institu- watched a man be choked to death that exist in the U.S. and eliminate conceptions about racism is that it tional racism in other domains, pro- by their co-worker and shamefully, them if we ever are going to experi- is based solely on individual acts. viding an interconnected system did not intervene at all. ence true equality, justice, and peace Many people believe that a few individual “bad apples” are racist or that constantly reinforces each other That is the day that George for all of our people. engage in racist behaviors. In fact, while reproducing racial disparities Floyd’s humanity was ignored by the The Problem of Systemic Racism racism is baked into our society across the lifespan. I would argue very people who were paid to protect in the United States and in the institutions that make that institutional racism is more and serve the public. In a June 23, 2020 ASU NOW up our society, including schools, dangerous than individual racism Fortunately for all of us, that is interview, Arizona State University neighborhoods, workplaces, banks, because institutional racism cre- also the day that a courageous teen- Associate Professor Eleanor Seaton health care, the media, and policing ates environments that dictate every ager, Ms. Darnella Frazier, filmed clearly explains that, “Racism is a systems.” continued on page 3 Derek Chauvin’s cruel murder of system of power and privilege based

Fellow workers, Comrades, Sisters, and Brothers

recently had the opportu- ment from law enforcement person- fear of law enforcement officers by nity to attend the memorial nel or the criminal justice system. It minorities in the United States. We service for George Floyd in has led to the shameful fact that the all shouldn’t have to hope, pray, and I U.S. has 25% of the world’s prison depend that there is someone with a Houston, Texas on June 8, population, but only 5% of the global cell phone nearby ready to assist and 2020. It was an incredible population. protect us in times of need. experience that I will never There are currently several laws Enough is enough. “We the forget. that help to perpetuate the dispa- people” have made significant posi- ILWU International Secretary- rate treatment of minorities by law tive changes in the world by protest- Treasurer Ed Ferris, Tyrone Harvey enforcement. One such judicial ing over several weeks against police (19), and myself met with several doctrine is called “Qualified Immu- brutality and racism. This effort must ILA officers and members who were nity,” and it must be eliminated. This continue if we are ever going to have also disgusted by the recent police law protects government officials true equality, justice, and peace for murder of George Floyd. I greatly from lawsuits alleging that the offi- all of the people living in our nation. appreciate the hospitality and soli- cial violated a plaintiff’s rights, and In solidarity, darity that our delegation received only allows for lawsuits where offi- throughout our trip to Houston. cials violated a “clearly established” Melvin Mackay It is a longstanding truth that far statutory or constitutional right. If International Executive Board member too many members of our popula- Qualified immunity is not elimi- tion do not receive the same treat- nated, there will always mistrust and

Correction: Alaska Longshore Division President Dennis Young informs us that the photos appearing on page 4 of the May Dispatcher, “Workers arrested in campaign for good jobs,” should be credited to Alaska Unit 60 member Erik Moore.

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

2 DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020 INFORME DEL SECRETARIO TESORERO “No puedo respirar.”

l parecer estas tres pal- que debemos reconocer colectiva- reconocer que el racismo institucional abras no se me borrarán mente las vastas desigualdades socia- en una esfera refuerza el racismo insti- de la mente. Franca- les que existen en los EU y eliminarlas tucional en otras esferas, alimentando A si queremos algún día experimentar un sistema interconectado que se mente, me persigue el recu- realmente la igualdad, justicia y paz renueva constantemente mientras erdo de estas palabras desde que para toda nuestra gente. reproduce las desigualdades raciales presencié la ejecución pública a lo largo de la existencia de este. Yo El problema del racismo sistémico reciente de George Floyd por la alegaría que el racismo institucional en Estados Unidos ILWU International policía el 25 de mayo de 2020. es más peligroso que el racismo indi- En una entrevista realizada el 23 vidual porque el primero crea ambi- Secretary-Treasurer Ese fue el día en que el anti- de junio de 2020 por ASU NOW, la entes que dictan todos los aspectos Ed Ferris guo policía de Minneapolis, Derek profesora adjunta Eleanor Seaton de de la vida para las personas subordi- Chauvin, asesinó al señor George Arizona State University explicó clara- nadas. El racismo dicta en dónde vive Floyd con una llave al cuello ilegal e mente que “el racismo es un sistema solidaridad que brindaron a nuestra uno y asiste a la escuela, a que tipo injustificada. de poder y privilegio basado en la raza delegación todo ese día. de empleo puede uno aspirar, si uno Ese es el día que hincó el peso o etnicidad percibida que califica a La ceremonia conmemorativa se tiene asistencia médica o no, si tiene completo de su cuerpo en el cuello de un grupo como dominante sobre los realizó en una iglesia bella llamada acceso a los alimentos saludables y George Floyd por ocho minutos y 46 demás y más merecedor que ellos. The Fountain of Praise Church (Igle- nutritivos y si el sistema de justicia lo segundos. En este sistema, hay un grupo domi- sia de la Fuente de Alabanzas) en el trata equitativamente, solo para nom- Ese fue el día en que otros tres ex nante (blancos) y hay grupos subordi- suroeste de Houston. A pesar del calor brar unos cuantos ejemplos. El ciclo policías de Minneapolis hicieron caso nados, incluyendo las personas nati- abrumante, fue notable la gran canti- se repite a lo largo de las vidas de las omiso públicamente de la conducta vas, afroamericanas, latinas de todos dad de personas que asistieron a dicha personas y por generaciones.” criminal de Derek Chauvin. Todos se los géneros, y asiáticoamericanos. El ceremonia; se calculó que asistieron La explicación del racismo sis- quedaron callados mientras su com- racismo está arraigado en la opresión unas 6,000 personas. Todos tuvimos témico por la profesora Seaton me ha pañero de trabajo ahorcó un hombre histórica (es decir, el genocidio de los la suerte de experimentar la solidari- ayudado mucho a entender personal- hasta matarlo, demostrándose vergon- indígenas, esclavización de africanos) dad, esperanza y sentido de comuni- mente el racismo en general, y espero zosamente incapaces de intervenir. de tal manera que los grupos subor- dad palpables de tantas personas. Fue que sus palabras realmente le eduquen Ese fue el día en que los que pre- dinados son y fueron definidos como una experiencia extraordinaria que también a usted. cisamente se les paga por proteger y “inferiores” al grupo blanco domi- nunca se me olvidará. servir al público negaron la humani- nante “superior.” El grupo dominante Los servicios fúnebres de El activista de derechos civiles y dad de George Floyd. creó y actualmente mantiene su privi- George Floyd erudito W.E.B. DuBois dijo alguna Por suerte para todos nosotros, legio social por medio de los valores, El 8 de junio de 2020, tuve el vez: “O Estados Unidos destruirá la también fue el día en que una adoles- formas de actuar e instituciones. Este honor de representar al ILWU en la ignorancia o la ignorancia destruirá cente valiente, Darnella Frazier, grabó privilegio resulta en que los grupos ceremonia conmemorativa de George a Estados Unidos.” Hace ya mucho el video del cruel asesinato de George subordinados sean privados de acceso Floyd en Houston, Texas junto con que deberíamos haber hecho caso Floyd por Dereck Chauvin. Si no lo al poder, estatus y recursos.” Melvin Mackay (Local 10) y Tyrone colectivamente a las palabras sabias hubiera hecho, podríamos alegar que “Uno de los conceptos erróneos Harvey (Local 19). y prudentes de DuBois. Si no lo hac- no existiría la actual ola de activismo más comunes es que el racismo se basa Estaba emocionado de tener esa emos, nunca seremos realmente “una social y demandas de reforma policial únicamente en los actos de los indi- oportunidad, pero admito que me nación, bajo Dios, indivisible con lib- por el público en este país. viduos. Muchos consideran que solo preocupaba viajar durante la pan- ertad y justicia para todos.” Nunca conocí a George Floyd, pero unas “cuantas manzanas podridas” son demia global. Me preocupaba arries- Se despide de ustedes con solidaridad, después de ver el video de su muerte racistas y se portan de manera racista. gar potencialmente la salud y segur- Ed Ferris a manos de los agentes del orden De hecho, el racismo es parte esencial idad de mi familia, pero después de #Blacklivesmatter público, me he dado cuenta vergonzo- de nuestra sociedad y las instituciones hablarlo varias veces con mi familia, samente que no he hecho lo suficiente que forman parte de ella, incluyendo decidimos que me podría en cuaren- para exigir los cambios y reformas sig- las escuelas, vecindades, centros de tena después de asistir a los servicios, nificativas que se requieren para poner trabajo, bancos, sistema de atención resolviendo así la mayoría de mis pre- fin al racismo sistémico. médica, los medios de comunicación ocupaciones. No cabe duda que asistir y los sistemas del orden público.” Resulta que no es suficiente sim- a los servicios fúnebres fue la decisión plemente ser gentil, amable y respet- ¿Qué es el racismo sistémico o acertada y quiero agradecer person- uoso con toda la gente. No es sufici- institucional? almente a Willie Adams, Presidente ente no albergar el odio en nuestros El racismo institucional es aquel del ILWU y Bobby Olvera, Jr., Vice corazones. No es suficiente valorar la en que las instituciones cumplen sus presidente del ILWU por su apoyo y diversidad o inclusión, o tener amigos funciones a favor del grupo dominante aliento constantes. Extiendo un agra- de todos los grupos étnicos. Todos y practican la intolerancia hacia los decimiento especial a nuestros cama- debemos hacer mucho más. Opino grupos subordinados. Es importante radas del ILA por la hospitalidad y

SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT continued from page2 George Floyd’s Memorial Service was definitely the right decision and I all fortunate to experience the palpable aspect of life for subordinate individu- On June 8, 2020, I had the honor would like to personally thank ILWU feeling of community, solidarity, and als. Racism dictates where one lives and of representing the ILWU at George President Willie Adams and ILWU Vice hope in that large crowd. It was an amaz- attends school, what type of jobs one is Floyd’s memorial service in Houston, President Bobby Olvera, Jr. for their ing experience that I will never forget. able to work, whether one has health Texas along with Melvin Mackay (Local ongoing support and encouragement. Civil rights activist and scholar W. care, whether one has access to heathy 10) and Tyrone Harvey (Local 19). Special thanks also go out to our ILA E. B. Du Bois once said “Either America and nutritious food and where one is I was thrilled by this opportunity, comrades for their wonderful hospital- will destroy ignorance or ignorance treated fairly by the criminal justice but was admittedly concerned about ity and solidarity that they provided our will destroy the United States.” It is system to name a few examples. The traveling in the midst of a global pan- delegation throughout the day. long overdue that we collectively heed cycle repeats itself throughout the lives demic. I worried about potentially com- The memorial service took place at Du Bois’ wise and cautionary words. If of individuals and across generations.” promising my family’s health and safety. a beautiful church named The Fountain we do not, we will never be truly “One Professor Seaton’s explanation of But after much family discussion, it of Praise Church in Southwest Houston. nation, under God, indivisible, with systemic racism has really helped me in was decided that I would self-quar- Despite the sweltering heat, the atten- liberty, and justice for all.” my personal understanding of racism antine after attending the service and dance at George Floyd’s memorial ser- In solidarity, vice was remarkable with estimates of in general, and I truly hope that her that alleviated the majority of my con- Ed Ferris approximately 6,000 people. We were words educate you as well. cerns. Attending the memorial service #Blacklivesmatter

DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020 3 ILWU stands down at West Coast ports for historic Juneteenth action to honor Black lives dockworkers will stop work for the General Secretary Zwelinzima first shift on June 19, 2020, to show Vavi of the South African Federation their commitment to the cause of racial of Trade Unions issued a statement equality and social justice.” saying, “Comrades in the ILWU, we Local 13 leaders also issued a applaud your action taken in solidarity statement announcing the shutdown: with the Black Lives Matter uprising. “Since the founding of our great Union, Closing down 29 ports on the US West the ILWU has fought against racism Coast, the United States gateway to and injustice. We have de-segregated the world during this deep economic our membership, we condemned the crisis, is an extraordinary act. We cel- internment of Japanese Americans ebrate Juneteenth with you, the ending during WWII, we appointed the Rev. of slavery in the US. We also have suf- Martin Luther King Jr. with an hon- fered such depths of racism and have orary membership, we opposed wars watched the video of George Floyd’s in the East and Middle East, we sup- murder in agony.” ported Occupy Wall Street, we fought Jerry Dias, National President of for immigrant rights, and we opposed Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector police brutality. How did we show our labor union, also sent a letter of solidar- Fired up, ready to go: Local 10 President Trent Willis fires up the crowd solidarity for those causes? The best ity. “On behalf of Unifor Canada mem- outside the SSA terminal on the morning of Juneteenth. way a longshore worker knows—we bers we salute your membership for stop working. When workers stop their actions today, Juneteenth, in sup- continued from page 1 Origin of Juneteenth working it is the loudest voice we have. port of Black Lives Matter. ILWU has a responses that named those recently The action also honored June 19, It is a voice unlike any other in the US.” proud history of standing up and speak- killed at the hands of police. or Juneteenth, which has been cele- ILWU Longshore workers in Van- ing out for social justice and today you Chant leaders called out “Say their brated by African-Americans as a holi- couver, Canada also joined in solidarity are once again showing the best of the names!”, as marchers responded by day since the late 1800s. Also known by stopping work for eight hours. labour movement,” wrote Dias. shouting the names of George Floyd, as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth com- “Racism and division are weapons Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Ped- memorates the end of slavery in Amer- used by those in power to keep the die Perez, Miles Hall, Oscar Grant, and “Whenever the ica and the on-going struggle for Black working class down. A divided class others who have died at the hands of freedom. is a class that can never rise and bring ILWU takes a police or to white vigilantes. Civil War history true prosperity to us all,” said ILWU stand, the An estimated 20,000 strong On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers Canada President Rob Ashton. “That By the time marchers reached arrived at Galveston, Texas to inform is why the ILWU Canada Longshore world feels the downtown Oakland, organizers esti- enslaved African-Americans of their division will be taking part in this reverberations...” mated that the group numbered 20,000 freedom and the end of the Civil War. coast-wide shut down on Juneteenth. strong. They stopped outside the Oak- The soldiers came to Galveston two- Canada’s hands are not clean either, in — Angela Davis land Police Department headquarters and-a-half years after Abraham Lincoln the past or the present. We also had for a brief rally. Speakers called atten- slavery; there was the internment of signed the Emancipation Proclama- High profile speakers tion to the OPD’s massive $330 million tion abolishing slavery throughout the Japanese Canadians, the incident of Trent Willis and Keith Shanklin annual budget and the Department’s Confederacy – and two months after the the Komagata Maru and the residen- served as emcees during the event. The long history of abuse, racial discrimi- Confederate surrender at Appomattox, tial schools. In the present day we have issue of police violence has effected nation, and violation of court orders- Virginia. Slavery was officially abol- the missing and murdered indigenous Shanklin and Willis directly; both had -behaviors that cost residents millions ished in the United States on December women and girls (MMIWG) and we see family members killed by police. in lawsuit settlements. 6, 1865, when the Thirteenth Amend- systemic racism in Canadian society.” ILWU Canada Grainworkers Shanklin got the crowd fired up at Remembering George Floyd’s death ment was ratified. Union Local 333 honored Juneteenth the start. “We are going to make some The massive Juneteenth action Growing recognition by stopping work for 9 minutes on noise. We want them to hear us com- followed a 9-minute work stoppage Early Juneteenth commemorations June 19 in solidarity with West Coast ing. We are here to make a change. by ILWU dockworkers on June 9th included an annual pilgrimage to port shutdown. You matter. Black Lives Matter,” said that began at 9 a.m. in all West Coast Galveston by formerly enslaved people Shanklin before introducing Bishop ports. The symbolic stand-down action and their descendants. It wasn’t until International solidarity Bob Jackson from Oakland’s Acts Full recalled the agonizing eight minutes 1980 that Texas became the first state During his morning speech, Pres- Gospel Church, and 46 seconds that George Floyd suf- to recognize Juneteenth as an official ident Adams announced that dock- The port rally featured high pro- fered while being slowly choked to holiday. It is now recognized in 47 workers in Genoa, Italy and South file speakers including film star Danny death by Minneapolis police officers. states and the District of Columbia, Africa were stopping work in solidarity Glover along with scholar and civil although most employers fail to recog- with the protests. rights activist Angela Davis. Both nize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Coastwise shutdown The call to shut down the ports originated at Local 10 where Presi- dent Trent Willis sent a letter to ILWU locals at all 29 ports along the West Coast about the Juneteenth stand- down which received overwhelming support. On June 15, the ILWU issued a nationwide press release announcing that ports along the West Coast would stop work for eight hours in obser- vance of Juneteenth. “Juneteenth has long been recognized by the African-American com- Labor takes a stand: “Today the munity, but for many others it was ILWU shuts down its West Coast ports, unknown until now – as our nation, along with other unions around the world in the wake of George Floyd’s murder to protest the tragic murder of George Floyd. We cannot go on with business as refocuses on ways to address ongoing, usual,” said Marina Secchitano, President systemic racial injustice,” said Presi- of the Inlandboatmen’s Union, the ILWU’s dent Adams in a press statement. He International Solidarity: ILWU International President Willie Adams Marine Division. went on to explain, “Thousands of brought word of solidarity actions by workers in Italy and South Africa. 4 DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020 Family members detail killings Another speaker was Taun Hall, The crowd also heard from family mother of Miles Hall, a 23-year-old members who lost loved ones to police Black man who was killed in 2019 by violence. Their powerful stories illus- police in Walnut Creek, CA. She said trated how widespread and systemic their family called 911 for mental-health police violence is in Black and brown assistance because Miles was experienc- communities across America. Speak- ing a schizophrenic episode – but their ers included Michael Brown Sr., whose son ended up being killed by police. 18-year old son, Michael, was killed by Trent Willis spoke about the death police in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014. of his own brother who was killed by Also speaking was Richard Perez, Military Police who were called because who donated and drove the flatbed of a verbal altercation in a bar. “The truck used at the Juneteenth event. He time when Black people are arrested, spoke about the 2014 shooting of his charged, tried, convicted and executed son “Peddie” Perez by police in Rich- on the spot must end,” Willis said. “My mond, CA – and how that killing has brother was executed for talking back devastated his family. “My wife cries to a white person.” every day,” he said. continued on page 7

Justice summer Shortly after the video of the murder of George Floyd Emcee for justice: Local 34 President Keith Shanklin kept the morning program flowing, introduced speakers and made sure the crowd was loud and lively. was released, Local 19 member Tyrone Harvey knew what he had to do. Traveling on his own dime, Harvey Glover and Davis addressed the crowd “Thank you for shutting down the got into his truck and drove to Minneapolis, the site of remotely in order to maintain social ports today, on Juneteenth - the day Floyd’s murder, before heading to Houston where he attended a memorial service for Mr. Floyd along with distance. Glover called into the rally to when we renew our commitment to International Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris and Interna- deliver his message while Davis stood the struggle for freedom,” Davis said. tional Executive Board member Melvin Mackay. through her car’s sunroof, fist raised in “You represent the potential and power “I did this for my son,” Harvey said. “I marched for the air, while her pre-recorded address of the labor movement.” my son. I traveled for my son and brought the flag of was played. Davis added that if she had not the ILWU to show that my job allowed me to go to pay Photo by Tyrone Harvey Davis thanked the ILWU for shut- chosen to become a professor, her next my respects for all men and women who have been Paying respects: Local 19 member Tyrone wronged by systematic racism in this country. Change ting down the West Coast ports, not- choice would have been to become Harvey travelled to Min- ing the ILWU’s long tradition of using a dockworker or warehouse worker will and has to come swiftly.” neapolis, Houston and their collective power to stand up “in order to be a member of the On June 12, amid nationwide protests against Atlanta to pay his re- against racism in the US and across most radical union in the country, police brutality, Atlanta police fatally shot 27-year-old spects to George Floyd the globe. “Whenever the ILWU takes the ILWU,” she said. Rayshard Brooks in the back. Following the shooting, and Rayshard Brooks, Harvey got into his truck once again and drove across who were killed by a stand, the world feels the reverbera- the country to Atlanta for the memorial service. police violence. tions,” Davis began. International Executive Board meets via video conference amidst Coronavirus pandemic STATEMENT OF POLICY ON RACISM

The horrific image of George Floyd national, state, local, and individual lev- being murdered by Minneapolis Police els. Unfortunately, we cannot expect any Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his leadership out of the White House as neck for eight minutes and forty-six sec- Trump barricades himself in and threat- onds graphically symbolizes the oppres- ens to use the military to quell peaceful sion African Americans have experienced demonstrations. These discussions must in North America since they first arrived go on without the White House involve- on slave ships. The United States’ ideal ment. This is an opportunity that must of equality for all stands in sharp con- not be wasted as we, as a society, cannot trast with the shameful manner in which permit yet another racist murder. the nation has treated its African Ameri- The ILWU has a proud and storied can citizens, Latinos, Native Americans, history of standing up for civil rights and other minorities. and opposing racism. Today, the Inter- Physically distant, socially conscious: International Vice President This racism is deeply ingrained in national Executive Board of the ILWU Bobby Olvera. Jr. addresses the International Executive Board which was held via every fabric of our society—unequal reaffirms that legacy as we stand up Zoom on June 18th. The Board unanimously passed a Statement of Policy on Racism that condemns racism, police brutality and the targeting of African-Americans. educational opportunities, police intim- emphatically and unequivocally against idation, employment discrimination, racism, including police terror, brutal- disproportionate incarceration rates, ity, and the unfair targeting of African crisis,” said ILWU International Presi- ith the Covid-19 pan- housing, racial profiling, a cash bail Americans. Our motto “an injury to one dent Willie Adams. demic raging in the system that discriminates against peo- is an injury to all,” speaks of our prin- WUnited States, the ILWU Statement of Policy on racism ple of color, access to financial capital, ciples of solidarity and support to work- International Executive Board met In the wake of the brutal mur- and a criminal justice system that rou- ers and community members in need. June 18th via video conferencing. ders of George Floyd, Breonna Tay- tinely dehumanizes people of color. The Under that banner, we stand with our Instead of presenting their reports lor, Ahmaud Arbery, the Executive widespread availability of technology to communities in support of an end to on the video call, Executive Board, Board unanimously passed a State- record incidents of overt racism, such police brutality and harassment because as police harassment and violence, and we understand that “black lives matter.” members submitted their reports ment of Policy on Racism. The statement affirmed that the International share them over social media has laid Additionally, we strongly encourage all two weeks beforehand. Board Executive Board is “emphatically and bare how the persistent disease of rac- ILWU members to reach out to local, members read the reports ahead unequivocally against racism, includ- ism has plagued the black community state, and national community groups of the meeting and came prepared ing police terror, brutality, and the in particular—when it comes to unequal addressing racism in all its ugly forms. with questions. unfair targeting of African Americans.” treatment of black Americans by police. We will be putting together a website “We’ve had to make some adjust- The policy encourages ILWU members Brother Floyd’s tragic murder, listing several such organization. ments to ensure the health and safety to reach out to local, state and national along with those of Breonna Taylor and Finally, our condolences go out to of the Executive Board but the Interna- organizations that are fighting racism Ahmaud Arbery among others, have the family and friends of Brother Floyd tional officers, IEB and staff continue in their communities. The full text of created the opportunity to have the very and other brothers and sisters who have to do the work of the union during this the Statement of Policy is on the right. hard discussions about racism at the been subject to violent racist attacks. DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020 5 ILWU turns out big for Juneteenth Seattle march against police brutality and racism undreds of ILWU mem- ident of the A. Philip Randolph Insti- bers marched with their tute in Seattle which co-sponsored the families, friends and com- event. Prawl, former Local 52 Presi- H dent, was the first African-American munity members in Seattle to elected to that office. commemorate Juneteenth. Work Austin started his remarks by quot- stopped at the Port of Seattle for ing the ILWU’s Third Guiding Prin- eight hours as part of a coastwise ciple: “Workers are indivisible. There shutdown to mark Emancipation can be no discrimination because of Day, and as an act of solidarity race, color, creed, national origin, reli- with people protesting racism gious or political belief, sex, gender and police violence across the preference, or sexual orientation. Any United States. division among the workers can help no one but the employers. Discrimina- The “Rally and March to Stop tion of worker against worker is sui- Police Brutality and Systemic Racism” cide. Discrimination is a weapon of the began at 10 am at Local 19’s hall. ILWU boss. Its entire history is proof that it Photo by West Seattle Blog motorcycles led the marchers along has served no other purpose than to the waterfront to Terminal 46 before pit worker against worker to their own the union who has shut down the West this to be a moment, we want this to be heading to the State Department of destruction.” Austin added, “We are Coast! Why? Because there are injus- a movement. The difference between a Corrections Day Reporting Center. the union who refused to handle cargo tices that must be addressed.” moment and a movement is sacrifice,” ILWU speakers included Local 19 from apartheid South Africa. We are Prawl spoke about the difference Prawl said. “The ILWU knows how to President Rich Austin, Jr. and Gabriel the union who made Dr. Martin Luther between having a moment and build- take action. We call on all labor to join Prawl, Sr, a Local 52 member and pres- King an honorary member and we are ing a movement. “Today we don’t want us because we can make it stop.” Young rebels connect for a good cause in Tacoma ocal 23’s Young Workers Union. Marchers gathered at Local 23 Young Workers Commit- attending Local 23’s “stop-work” union Committee led a delegation Tacoma’s Wapato Park for the tee members learned about the action meeting. of members and casuals photo below that shows three of on an Instagram account because many “Brian Skiffington and I missed L high school students no longer use who joined a Juneteenth march the student-organizers up-front the first speakers at the rally because Facebook, which they consider to be in Tacoma called, “Stop Killing wearing black shirts with a gold- we were at the stop work meeting, but something “for old people.” we were able to join the march after Us!” The event was organized colored slogan that read, “NO Local 23 activists have gotten it started,” said Local 23’s Zack Pat- by Lincoln High School students JUSTICE! NO PEACE! 2020.” recent props and praise from the com- tin. “We caught-up with Paul Malleck who belong to the Black Student munity, thanks to the June 9th action and Colin McGee from Local 5 who are in memory of George Floyd and the both Aramark workers at Evergreen Juneteenth stand-down on the 19th. State College. They were happy to see Out-of-town reporters contacted Local all the A, B, and casual members from 23 activists for interviews, including Local 23, and we even met one new the Majority publication from the Dem- casual who came on his own and intro- ocratic Socialists of America’s (DSA) duced himself when he saw us at the East Bay chapter and author/professor end of the march.” Peter Cole, who wrote an article about Another young worker, Local 23 the ILWU’s anti-racism work that ID Casual Nyef Mohamed, said the appeared in In These Times. Juneteenth march meant a lot to him. While Local 23’s Young Workers “Marching the streets for June- Committee didn’t initiate the march, teenth in the city where I grew up was they did bring it to the attention of a powerful moment, and seeing that local leadership and promoted it to the the action was organized by local high membership. Some Local 23 members school students was inspiring,” he said, went up to Seattle for Local 19’s June- adding that, “Juneteenth needs to be a teenth action, and others were busy national holiday.” Celebrating Black Lives in Portland

Local 8 members in Portland participated in a “Celebration of Black Lives” event on Juneteenth. Union members assembled at Peninsula Park in North Portland, then marched through the historically Black neighborhoods along Rosa Parks Boulevard and Martin Luther King Boulevard, ending at the MLK Jr. Elementary School. Organizers wanted to highlight the ongoing threat of gentrification that has displaced many African-American and Latino families in the area. Shown in the park photo, above to the left, are (L-R): Ashely Monroe, William Paul, Rod Carlson, Levi Manning, David Porter, Stephanie Evans, Lily Womack and Dakatah Camberg. The event was sponsored by the “Big Yard Foundation” as part of their community empowerment mission.

6 DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020 ILWU stands down at West Coast ports for historic Juneteenth action to honor Black lives continued from page 5 der,” said Garcia. “They want to take International officers away our jobs. They want to take away At the morning rally, President our future. They want to take away our Adams and International Secretary- family’s future.” Treasurer Ed Ferris spoke on behalf of Local attorney and former Oakland the International. “We’re not working mayoral candidate Pamela Price also today. We’re standing in solidarity,” spoke out against the stadium proj- Adams said. He called on police offi- ect. “In East Oakland we are fighting cers to stop their fellow officers when against the abandonment of the Oak- they see them engaging in misconduct. land Coliseum and the purchasing of “Good cops have got to start checking Howard Terminal because we know those bad cops. You can’t stand by and the Howard Terminal stadium project let something happen. You’re just as means prioritizing profits over people,” guilty,” Adams said. she said. “The Howard Terminal proj- Ferris spoke passionately about the ect would destabilize the Black com- impact that George Floyd’s murder has munity in both East and West Oakland, had on him. “That video changed my and speed up our displacement from life,” Ferris explained as he referenced Oakland.” Oakland’s Black population the ILWU slogan, “An injury to one is has declined by half in recent decades, In this together: International Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris rallies the crowd. He spoke about how racial justice is directly tied to economic justice for all workers. an injury to all.” due to pressure from gentrification and “Until the US addresses its deep- the erosion of good union jobs in the ing the day, that’s where you need to Labor takes a stand rooted racial inequalities,” Ferris said, industrial and warehouse sectors. be organizing.” Americans will not be truly free. Until Rally at City Hall The ILWU’s role in the Juneteenth Other speakers at the City Hall actions was amplified by local, national the color of your skin is as important Boots Riley, film director and front- included young leaders from the Bay and international media coverage that as your hair color or your eye color, we man for the hip hop band, The Coup, Area and across the country, including was overwhelmingly positive. are not all going to be free. I’m so grate- was a featured speaker at the afternoon Chris Smalls, who was fired by Ama- ful to see this diverse group of people rally. Riley spoke about the power of President Adams said the move- zon after he helped organize a work because we are fed up.” workers to effect change by withhold- ment against police violence and racial stoppage at the company’s warehouse ing their labor and the need for people injustice reflects the ILWU’s history Saving the Port of Oakland on Staten Island, New York, to protest to organize at work. and values. Local 10 pensioner and long-time the lack of protective gear and hazard “Our own union was forged out of activist Clarence Thomas has been “We’ve had, these past two weeks, pay for workers. millions of people in the street all over violent police attacks during the 1934 a leader against racial injustice for One of the youngest speakers was the country in every single city in the strike. Two workers in San Francisco, decades and remains active in today’s recent high school graduate and Bay United States. And right now we’re at Nicholas Bordoise and Howard Sperry, struggles. He spoke about the attempt Area activist Lauryn Campbell of Black a point where people are like, ‘What’s were murdered by the police. From by developers to build a baseball sta- Youth for the People’s Liberation. The the next step?’ And a lot of that ques- the beginning, Harry Bridges was com- dium, hotels and retail at the Port of group organized a march on June 8 in tion is a question of power.” Riley con- mitted to fighting racism in the labor Oakland. “We have to stop that,” East Oakland to protest the killing of tinued, “What is power? How does it movement because he understood Thomas said. “The Oakland A’s have to Oakland resident Erik Salgado by Cali- work? What is our power? And that’s that division undermines the power of stay in East Oakland, not at the port.” fornia Highway Patrol officers. what today is answering. Our power the working class,” Adams said. “The Thomas then introduced Andy “Today we are here to say we’re ILWU has never been silent on the Garcia, Executive Vice President of the comes from the fact that we create the wealth. Wealth is power. We have the done,” Campbell told the crowd. “We’re moral issues of the day. This historic trucking company GSC Logistics. “The done hiding our Blackness. We’re done moment required a historic response rich and powerful and the politicians ability to withhold that power. Wher- ever you work, wherever you are dur- looking over our shoulders. and the rank-and-file of our great want to sell this port to the highest bid- union rose to the occasion.” Photo by Robin Doyno Honoring George Floyd: ILWU members at the Port of Los Angeles hold a Black Lives Matter banner as part of the 9-minute coast-wise stand down on June 9th that was observed to honor George Floyd. DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020 7 A Helping Hand...... when you need it most. That’s what we’re all about. We are the representatives of the ILWU- sponsored recovery programs. We provide professional and confidential assistance to you and your family for alcoholism, drug abuse and other problems—and we’re just a phone call away.

ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION ADRP—Oregon ADRP—Southern California Brian Harvey Tamiko Love 5201 SW Westgate Dr. #207 29000 South Western Ave., Ste 205 Portland, OR 97221 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (503) 231-4882 (310) 547-9966 ADRP—Washington ADRP—Northern California Donnie Schwendeman Hunny Powell 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. #503 PPE: The Port of Long Beach delivered 46,000 masks to the Local 13 offices. The PPE is [email protected] Tacoma, WA 98424 being presented by Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Deputy Executive Director at the Port of Long 400 North Point Beach for Administration and Operations, who was accompanied by staff members (253) 922-8913 Rafael Delgado, Carlo Luzzi and Darren Knowles. “We would like to thank the Port San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 776-8363 of Long Beach for providing these masks so that we can continue to do the vital work ILWU CANADA of moving cargo as safely as possible,” said Local 13 Vice President Jesse “Nacho” Enriquez (third from left). Also pictured is Local 13 President Ramon Ponce De Leon ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION EAP—British Columbia (fifth from the left). DARE—Northern California John Felicella Teamsters Assistance Program 3665 Kingsway, Ste 300 300 Pendleton Way Vancouver, BC V5R 5WR Oakland, CA 94621 (604) 254-7911 (510) 562-3600

TRANSITIONS

NEW PENSIONERS: DECEASED PENSIONERS: ILWU BOOK & VIDEO ORDER FORM Local 8: William O. Schuky; Local 8: Benedict A. Stutzer; Steven ORDER BY MAIL Local 10 Paul C. Villeggiante; D. Gill (Louise); Richard K. Tenneson Ervin D. Regidor; Jose Yanez; (Nancy); Local 10: Wilfred La Fleur; ___ copies of Solidarity Stories @ $17 ea. = $_____ Charles Wilkins; Michael A. Miller; Local 12: Ronald L. Morgan; Sandra E. Villeggiante; Sharon C. Local 13: Shigeo Nakanishi; Juan M. ___ copies of A Spark Is Struck @ $13.50 ea.= $_____ Rhodes; Local 13: Frank L. Valle; Gary M. Vladic; Frank R. Miladinovich; Vincent J. Mirkovich; Cardenas (Elisa); William Jenkins; ___ copies of The Legacy of 1934 @ two for $5 = $_____ Boris Hodinj; Lorenzo F. Watson; Shawn P. Robinson; Local 19: Mike Jerry T. Marott; Curtis L. Phillips Jr; R. Hansen; Local 21: Fred R. ___ copies of Harry Bridges @ $10 ea.= $_____ Willie L. Thomas; Michael W. Black; Chamberlain; Andrew N. Wilson Jr.; Anita B. Wills; Robin D. Doyno; Local 23: Ramo V. Natalizio; ___ copies of The Big Strike @ $9.00 ea. = $_____ Joseph F. Kirksey Jr; Daniel P. Local 40: Laque W. Youngblood Gomez; Theresa M. Rivera; Daniel L. (Betty); Local 50: Thomas W. Reneqe ___ copies of The Union Makes Us Strong @ $20 ea. = $_____ Navarro; Patrick E. Hogan; Nikica (Sarah); Local 52: Grace E. Miller; Ciketic; Wilbert J. Johnson; Local 63: Raymond Counter; James ___ copies of Eye of the Storm DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ Local 18: Daniel J. Victor; G. Horan (Elaine); Harold Goorvitch Local 19: James A. Sybouts; (Janet); John P. Trutanich (Kathryn); ___ copies of We Are the ILWU DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ Kalvin Cairns; Gary R. Peetz; Frederick W. Taylor (Cheryl); Lynn D. Local 23: Kenneth H. Moore; Anderson; Richard Wingard (Linda); ___ copies of A Life on the Beam DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ Alan B. Wells; Local 34: Thornton E. Local 94: Adolfo Gomez; Woods; Sonia R. Mountjoy; DECEASED SURVIVOR: Total Enclosed $_____ Local 40: Angela Y. Dickens; Local 8: Sheila Elberson; Margaret Local 52: Michael R. Deleo; M. Radich; Gloria Smith; No sales outside the U.S. Local 63: Frank W. Karmelich; Local 10: Maria O. Mendoza; We regret that U.S. Customs and postal regulations create too great a burden Edward A. Harris; Soledad S. Salcido; Bertha Ford; Rita Mallia; for our staff to maintain book sale service to our members and friends outside Maria Bayer; Steve R. Ayala; Robert Local 12: Wanita Russell; the United States. G. Rados Jr; Richard I. Rosenthal; Local 13: Teresa Greenwood; Edna Local 94: Frank Gomez; Modupe I. R. Scott; Clara Hansen; Elvira V. Name______Oshikoya; Local 98: Vladimir Flores; Ester Rivera; Virginia V. Street Address or PO Box ______Tchelouchkin; Spence; Marie F. Alba; Esther Serrano; Local 19: Grace Miller; City ______State______Zip______Local 29: Cleotilde Revelez; Make check or money order (U.S. Funds) payable to “ILWU” and send to Local 34: Norma T. Ooghe; Local 40: Alice H. Francis; Dretha R. ILWU Library, 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 Osborne; Local 63: Calvin A. Williams; Local 75: Patricia C. Gasser; Prices include shipping and handling. Please allow at least four weeks for delivery. Shipment to U.S. addresses only

8 DISPATCHER • JUNE 2020