www.ilwu.org THE INSIDENEWS ILWU BOOKS&VIDEO TRANSITIONS on harborarea streets to helpothersleftbehind ILWU memberleadseffort College Board Long BeachCommunity Local 13memberrunsfor terminal plan City Counciltokillcoal ILWU memberstellOakland LETTERS TODISPATCHER Dockworkers mobilize to help farmers Dockworkers mobilizetohelpfarmers & ranchershurtbyWashington State wildfirespage5 Published by the International LongshorePublished bytheInternational andWarehouse Union DISPATCHER

8 8 4 3 3 2 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109-6800. M terminal inVancouver, WA Dakota. Each of the cars carry 30,000 Dakota. Eachofthecarscarry 30,000 from theBakkenoilfields ofNorth highly volatileandexplosive crude carry 100ormoretankcars filledwith Each ofthemile-longtrainswould trains” a day to the Port of Vancouver. Four trainsaday troversial anddangerousproposal. holding publichearingsonthecon- marine exportterminalwithoutfirst to build the nation’s largest oil-to- a dealinsecretwithoilcompanies from the Port of Vancouver reached Power play into adisasterarea. theircity lumbia Riverandturn ruin theirport,closetheCo- scheme by big oil that could environmental alliestostopa Big oil wants to bring four “unit Big oilwantstobringfour“unit Documents showthatofficials ILWU andcommunity with community and 4 havejoinedforces embers ofILWU Local dangerous crude oil coalition challenge strengthened theirresolve since. 2013 disasterinQuebec, andhave terminal intheirtownbeforethe bers opposedplansforanoilexport that “theriskisn’tworththereward.” who hastoldPortCommissioners ous,” saysLocal4’sCagerClabaugh, is justirresponsibleandtoodanger- 47 residentsandinjuredmanyothers. Quebec, Canada.Thedisasterkilled much ofLac-Megantic,atownin clysmic firestorm thatdestroyed oil derailedandexplodedinacata- when atraincarryingBakkencrude more real on July 6, 2013. That’s Vancouver andothertownbecame disaster thatcouldwipeoutpartsof Possible disaster towns beforereachingthewestcoast. the trainstravelthroughdozensof gallons ofhighlyflammablecrudeas

“Before that disaster, oil industry “Before thatdisaster,oilindustry He notesthatLocal4mem- “Bringing thisstuffintoourtown The possibilityofacatastrophic DISPATCHER •October2015 1 to theAssociatedPress. five crashessofarin2015, according occurred intheU.S.since2006,with of 24 serious oil train crashes have a six-monthperiodin2013.Atotal ment ofcrude-carryingtrainsduring fourth majorNorthAmericanderail- That NorthDakotaaccidentwasthe ken crudeexplodedafteracollision. Santa Fe(BNSF)traincarryingBak- Dakota whereaBurlingtonNorthern crash occurredinCasselton,North Megantic inferno,anotherfieryrail America. SixmonthsaftertheLac- ties hashitcommunities in North Many otherincidents refuse todroptheirdangerousplan.” but arestillsayingit’ssafeenoughand tune aftertheLac-Meganticdisaster, said Clabaugh.“Theychangedtheir there wasnothingtoworryabout,” missioners thatthisstuffwassafeand lobbyists wereassuringourPortCom- A paradeofcrude-byrailcalami- Vol 73,NO9•CTBER2015 continued onpage7

Photo by Amanda Cowan-The Columbian LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER

Dear Editor, safe from Security Lock & Safe, a Weber barbecue from Shafer’s Ace The 2015 Federated Auxiliaries Officer’s Travel Fund Fundraiser Quilt Hardware, a large box of cigars from John’s Cigars, were just a few of the Committee would like to congratulate Auxiliary 35 from Tacoma, WA for items donated. winning the first Fundraiser Quilt Raffle. Eureka’s ILWU Local 14 donated a check to the winning team along with We would also like to clarify some information printed in the May issue a first place plaque. Local 14 Secretary Treasurer Perry Bressman presented of the Dispatcher. The quilt was not made up entirely of t-shirts. The majority the prize money. The winning team members were Chaz Jensen, Greg of the blocks were individually designed and intricately pieced appliqued, Coleman Jim Anderson & Roger Harwood. Roger Massey presented the first machine embroidered or screen printed, including one block that was sewn place plaque. completely by hand with a needle and thread. Local 14 takes great pleasure in sponsoring such worthwhile events We would like to thank all those who spent time and money creating and takes pride in spreading good-will among workers and people of all each beautiful block and we hope the next quilt will be as successful. walks of life. Special thanks go to Roger Massy, Dave Lovfald and the Longshoremen from Eureka’s Local 14. 2015 Fundraiser Quilt Committee Perry Bressman,Secretary/Treasurer Local 14 Eueka Dear Editor,

on September 13, Eureka’s Longshore Local 14 was privileged to be the lead sponsor for the newest and largest golf tournament ever held at Eureka’s Municipal Golf Course. The event, Military Appreciation Day, helps servicemen fighting overseas, with donations from several businesses that make contributions to this event. Roger Massey, a Marine Veteran himself, spearheaded the event with representatives from the Coast Guard, Navy, & Air Force attending. They pre- sented the Colors while the National Anthem was played in the background. These veterans do many things besides just marching in parades. They honor veterans at funerals where they fire three volleys over a casket to Taps. They then fold the flag and present it to the family. So far they’ve done this 54 times this year. The entry fees were donated to the Marine Corps Reserve’s Honor Flight and Toys for Tots. The tournament was followed by a lunch and prizes were donated by approximately 40 businesses. Prizes donated such as a fireproof

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

New leaders take union oath: International President Bob McEllrath (right) administered the ILWU oath of office on October 5 to members of the union’s Executive Board, and to new Coast Committeemen, Cameron Williams and Frank Ponce De Leon. Outgoing members were acknowledged and thanked for their years of service. The new Board elected four Trustees who are responsible for reviewing and reporting on the union’s finances: Jim Daw, Michael Dela Cruz, Sean Farley and Mike Podue. New Executive Board members include Julie Brady, Doug Cabading, Michael Dela Cruz, Sean Farley, Dane Jones, Lynden Koerte, Dean McGrath, Avril Nichols, Rainiero Salas, Nelson Rita, Kelly Ruidas and Chuck Wendt.

New Coast Committeemen: Local 19 President Cameron Williams and Frank Ponce De Leon assumed office on October 5th. Williams replaces Leal Sundet who served 9 years; Ponce De Leon is replacing Ray Ortiz, Jr., who served 18 years. The team is responsible for managing daily affairs of the Longshore Division as part of the Longshore Division’s Coast Committee led by International President McEllrath and Vice President Familathe.

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

2 DISPATCHER • October 2015 Local 13 member Vivian Malauulu announces candidacy for Long Beach Community College District Board ivian Malauulu, a Local 13 sified staff at Long Beach City College, Prior to joining the faculty at Long registered longshore has State Senators Isadore Hall and Tony Beach City College, she worked for the announced her candidacy Mendoza, former State Senator Betty Los Angeles Unified School District for V Karnette, and the Teamsters union. almost 20 years teaching high school for the Long Beach Community “My substantial work in educa- English and Theater. She served as College District Board of Trustees. tion and significant involvement in our an Activities Director, Career Adviser, If elected in next April’s munici- community have given me valuable and Girls’ Track and Field Coach. pal election, she will represent experience and insightful knowledge Her first teaching job was at Banning West Long Beach on the Board. that will add a fresh new perspective High School in Wilmington, her alma to the Long Beach Community College mater. She has also taught at Carson Malauulu is also a longtime edu- District Board of Trustees,” said Malau- High School, Los Angeles Harbor Col- cator who has been teaching college, ulu. “My goal is to truly represent lege, and California State University, community college, and high school everyone’s best interest on the Board, Dominguez Hills. students in the local community for not just the interest of a select few.” She is a Commissioner for the almost 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in City of Long Beach, and presently She has already assembled an Journalism from California State Uni- serves as Chair of the City’s Commis- impressive list of endorsements includ- versity, Northridge; a Master’s Degree sion on Youth and Children, and as a ing ILWU Locals 13, 26, 63, 65, 68, in Educational Administration from member of the Board of Managers for Vivian Malauulu, Local 13 94, the SoCal District Council and the California State University, Dominguez the Greater Long Beach YMCA Early SoCal Pensioners Club, the full and Hills; and several teaching credentials. Childhood Development Program. part-time faculty associations and clas-

ILWU members tell Oakland City Council to kill coal terminal plan

Buying turnout Labor unity & exceptions But despite hiring big guns, The Alameda County Central Tagami’s team had a hard time find- Labor Council told City officials that ing actual “concerned citizens” who unions had just passed a strong reso- supported the coal terminal, so they lution opposing the coal export termi- resorted to paying people to fill seats nal, because it would provide few jobs, and wear t-shirts. The plan backfired threaten nearby residents and harm when news reporters interviewed efforts to control climate change. Two apparent “coal supporters” in the audi- unions, the Teamsters and Laborers, ence who quickly admitted they only tried but failed to stop the labor body came because they were paid. Some from adopting the coal terminal resolu- even expressed confusion about which tion. Both were told by the developer side they were supposed to support. that the good union jobs being prom- ised could not be delivered without the Buying loyalty coal terminal. Teamster officials joined The pay-to-play tactics included developer Phil Tagami in avoiding the generous “offers” from the coal lobby- public hearing, but lobbied for the coal ists to local churches and environmen- project behind the scenes. tal groups – in exchange for backing the Coal isn’t the answer: Local 10 Business Agent Derrick Muhammad urged coal terminal. A team of former execu- Broken promises the Oakland City Council to reject a proposed coal terminal. tives from the Port of Oakland report- Developer Phil Tagami was sing- edly offered church leaders 7 cents for ing a different tune several years ago n overflow crowd at the Jobs Promised every ton of coal that would be exported; when he was desperate to secure Oakland City Council To win crucial political support, environmental groups were offered a political support from labor unions, meeting on September Tagami claimed his project would cre- more generous 12 cents per ton. The community and environmental groups A ate thousands of good-paying jobs, and 15 heard ILWU leaders taking environmental groups declined the for his development plan. He prom- told community and labor groups that passionate positions against a offer; while some church leaders appar- ised groups that coal would not be most of those jobs would be union. But ently accepted and attended the hearing part of his project, then used their controversial coal export ter- many of the groups negotiating with to praise the proposal. minal that developers and coal Tagami were unfamiliar with industry continued on page 7 industry lobbyists want to build employment practices, which may have on a private dock with public allowed the developer to use inflated and unrealistic numbers. Now Tagami subsidies. Six hundred citizens has hitched his project’s to a controver- submitted requests to speak at sial coal export terminal, and suggested the hearing which began at 4pm that the entire project and thousands of and went late into the night. jobs depend on the coal deal. Developer hiding Coal lobbyists & lawyers Master developer Phil Tagami Instead of appearing in person at was noticeably absent from the pub- the September hearing, Tagami hired a lic hearing on the coal export terminal slew of well-dressed lawyers, lobbyists, which has become a centerpiece of his businessmen and preachers to make redevelopment scheme that promised his case for the coal terminal. Lawyers to transform Oakland’s former Oak- made thinly-veiled threats that lawsuits land Army base into a mix of mod- would be filed if the developers didn’t ern warehouses, intermodal hub and get their way. One Washington D.C. lawyer declared that the city had no a “state of the art” privately-owned ILWU opposition: Local 10 member Katrina Booker and BALMA President break-bulk dock. authority to regulate or limit railroads Christopher Christensen said that concerns about coal were shared by many residents. shipping coal to the export terminal.

DISPATCHER • October 2015 3 ILWU member leads effort to help others left behind on harbor area streets ocal 26 member David Gon- Gonzales found work as a guard zales is leading an impressive with ILWU Local 26, providing security but quiet effort with other on the docks at the ports of LA and Long L Beach. What he found was a surprising volunteers in Wilmington who degree of support from co-workers who serve hundreds of meals each made a difference in his life. week to homeless and hungry “When my baby girl was just 9 people in the harbor area. months old, she had a life-threaten- “I know what it’s like to be on ing heart defect that required a dan- the streets because I was there once gerous surgery.” Gonzales said Local myself,” says Gonzales, tracing his 26 union steward Mark Reyes offered ordeal that began when he was physi- to become her godfather, something cally and mentally abused almost daily “nobody had ever done for me and my by a stepfather “from the time I was 3 family before.” until I was 13.” When he was able to A similar act of kindness and com- fight back, his mother said he’d have passion happened several years ago to leave the house, so he ended up in when he ended a difficult personal Banning Park. Gonzales tried to con- relationship and took full responsibil- Photo by Slobodan Dimitrov Second chance: The ILWU gave David Gonzales the opportunity to turn his tinue at school while he was living on ity for his 7 children. life around. He helped form the volunteer organization Heart of the Harbor to help the streets, but eventually dropped “It was holiday time and one of those living through hard times. out and became involved with drugs the union sisters at work, Christina and gangs. Le Blanc who’s the Lead Sargent at “I can see now that the gang was Hanjin, asked me how I was planning important to me because I didn’t to celebrate Christmas. I told her that have a father, and it filled a need it was going to be a little rough that for a while,” he says. “Gang life gave year but that we’d be fine. She went out me some security, but also filled my on her own and asked the other guards mind with distrust of anyone who to pitch-in, and they made it possible wasn’t exactly like us. After years of for my kids to have something special “gangbanging” and coloring much during that difficult time.” of his skin with tattoos, he began to As the life of gang-banging and look for a way out of his dependency drug addiction was left behind, Gonza- on drugs and the street life, but get- les says he now lives his life in recovery ting out was difficult. That’s where following a simple philosophy of what the union came in. he calls “paying it forward.” “I’m from a 4th generation Wilm- It started with an inspiration to buy ington family here, so I knew how boxes of frozen hamburger patties that important the union was to the com- he could grill for hungry people still

munity, but I never realized that it stuck on the street. He quickly found Photo by Slobodan Dimitrov would be the thing that helped me others willing to help and says many turn my life around.” of those volunteers were once living on stretch. “We know what it’s like to be “We know there are at least the streets themselves during a difficult out there.” 8 people who have gotten off the Using Facebook, Gonzales has streets and turned their lives around mustered a volunteer crew that pre- because of our help,” says Gonza- pares hundreds of sack lunches every les, who points to the turnaround in Thursday, then distributes the meals his own life as proof that dramatic to people living in the margins from changes are possible. Wilmington to LA’s Skid Row. Gonzales says that their project “We made 490 sack lunches last is open to everyone and is not part of week and could have done a lot more a church, but he says they do try to but we just ran out of time,” he says, pause at some point during the busy noting that groups and individuals are volunteer times to give thanks and donating everything from bread and reflect on the pain and suffering faced lunch meat, to their own labor. “We by so many in the world – and how don’t have a formal non-profit group, volunteers can make a difference with but we do get the job done because love and action. everyone pitches-in to help the group Gonzales emphasizes that their that we call: ‘Heart of the Harbor/ group is eager to partner with individu- Helping Those in Need.’” als and like-minded organizations who Photo by Slobodan Dimitrov can provide resources such as transi- Heart of the Harbor volunteers regularly feed the hungry from Wilmington The group also helps with special to Los Angeles’s Skid Row. needs or particular requests, such tional housing, mental health services as one for diapers and wipes that and recovery/rehabilitation support. was recently fulfilled with an online “My 17 years in the union have request to volunteers. provided me with so much support The biggest feeding effort so far that made my turnaround and recov- took place on Saturday, October 3rd ery possible,” he says, adding that it at Wilmington’s “Greenbelt Park,” has also expanded his perspectives, between Watson and “L” Street. Vol- noting that he’s been able to meet unteers began arriving at 7am to cook people from all over the world and get and prepare a hot lunch for hundreds beyond the small-minded thinking and from 12 noon onward. Among the bigotry that came with life in a gang. “I many helpers were several of Gonzales’ now see that all of us have so much in seven children who are regular volun- common, instead of focusing on differ- teers. The first volunteer to join Gonza- ence like I used to, about how people les was Nikki Fabela, Wilmington resi- looked or talked. I am truly grateful dent and daughter of Local 13’s Paul to all of my union brothers and sisters Fabel. “She was the first person who who have shown me so much solidar- said she’d help me,” said Gonzales, ity and positivity during my years on “and her gesture of kindness is some- the waterfront.”

Photo by Slobodan Dimitrov thing I’ll never forget.”

4 DISPATCHER • October 2015 Dockworkers mobilize to help farmers & ranchers hurt by Washington state wildfires ast year, farmers and ranch- Volunteers ers in eastern Washington The team of 16 volunteers helped had few kind words for move desperately needed supplies L that helped firefighters battle wildfires dockworkers who were stuck in burning almost 600,000 acres in cen- a struggle with foreign-owned tral and eastern Washington. container companies that re- “Longshore workers are experts sulted in delays of agricultural when it comes to planning, logistics exports. and how to move cargo efficiently and safely, so it was a perfect fit for us,” said Calling to help McGrath who spent days on the phone “I got some angry calls at the coordinating ILWU support with the beginning of the year – but I called firefighting effort. those same people back in August A team of four longshore workers and offered to help save their farms who left in mid-August were the first and ranches – and the response wave of volunteers who went to help was just fantastic,” said ILWU Local farmers and ranchers. Longshoreman Near fire lines: Volunteers from Local 23 in Tacoma travelled into the smoke- 23 President Dean McGrath. The Bobby Bobber drove a water tanker for filled eastern part of their state to deliver supplies, assist firefighters and help families union followed through on their in eastern Washington State. Top row, (L-R) James Pugh, James Pugh III, Brian Wiener, 15-hour shifts. Longshoremen Corey Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers, Perry Hopkins, Kevin Thompson, Matt Holt- pledge, delivering a caravan of cars Chavez, Derick Phil and Stewie Crock- and trucks over the Cascades that man, Dave Larson, Travis Stolter and Cary Harlow. Bottom row (L-R) Mark Shoemaker, ett helped farmers rescue horses and John Orvella, Andy Upshaw, Dean McGrath and Perry Smith. brought supplies and 16 volunteers livestock threatened by the fire. to join the firefighting effort in East- needed supplies that were delivered families who depend on wood-burn- ern Washington. Local 19 & 23 donations to the fire zone by longshore workers. ing stoves to heat their homes in the Back home, longshore workers on “We brought 650 “grab bags” filled The Tacoma Longshore Credit Union winter. Firewood in eastern Wash- the docks in Seattle and Tacoma helped with beef jerky, power bars, energy became a site for gathering donations ington is now scarce, and most fami- raise a total of $25,000 in donations. shot drinks and other stuff for the and supplies in their area. Local 19 lies lost all their wood that had been The contributions included funds from front-line firefighters,” said McGrath, helped by gathering nearly half of the stored near homes. members, community groups and “but the union volunteers were the big- contributions from their region that employers, all used to purchase badly Building new homes gest boost.” paid for supplies to help firefighters and communities hurt by the fire. A With the fires finally extinguished, $2500 donation from Seattle’s Total many farmers and ranchers will need Terminals International was one of the to re-build the homes they lost, and many contributions. not everyone had insurance. ILWU members will be part of a volunteer Local 23 President Dean McGrath team that is being assembled to help noted that Pasha Stevedoring & Ter- with the rebuilding effort. minals donated $5000 to the cause. “We’ve been working together with “In this kind of a crisis, farmers, Pasha and the Port to improve turn ranchers and longshore workers are times for apple and hay shippers, so all just hard-working Americans trying when they heard what we were doing, to help each other,” said Local 19 Pasha immediately stepped-up and President Cam Williams. offered to contribute.” “Working together and build- ing relationships between the union Wood for winter heat and community is really important,” Now that fall has arrived, ILWU added McGrath. “We need those Packing supplies: Local 19 members, friends and family helped gather supplies members continued their help by relationships to be solid when the around Seattle for farmers and ranchers hurt by wildfire in eastern Washington State. delivering truck loads of firewood to next crisis comes.” Local 19 helped raise half of $25,000 in donations for the effort. ILWU members mobilize to help Oakland residents LWU members have been weekly clean-ups in the neighborhood volunteering to help residents for years, thanked ILWU members living in Oakland’s low- for supporting the community-based I effort. Gallo was also one of the first income neighborhoods. On Sat- City Council members to help low- urday morning October 3, a huge wage recycling workers win better turnout of 130 ILWU members pay and benefits. converged on Oakland’s Fruit- Recycling outreach vale neighborhood to help clean Local 6 recycling workers have up the area plagued with illegal been helping another Oakland com- dumping of trash and debris munity service project that began from throughout the region. last summer and is continuing this fall. The Northern California Recy- The team consisted of 40 long- cling Association is undertaking a shore workers who volunteered from campaign to educate Oakland apart- Local 10 and another 90 members of ment residents about newly-avail- Local 6 – mostly recycling workers, able composting services. Volunteers including dozens employed at Alam- from Local 6 and the Sierra Club are ILWU strong: Over 100 ILWU members volunteered for a neighborhood clean-up eda County Industries who recently teaching tenants learn how to recycle in Oakland on Oct 3. joined the union. their household green waste instead Your tenacity and steadfast commit- “For years, green waste recy- Volunteers donned gloves then of putting it into the trash where it ment to the campaign have been and cling services were only available to walked the streets to attack piles of was buried in a landfill. refuse. The results were impressive – indispensable.” wealthier homeowners in the hills, The Recycling Association was 7 tons of trash, 102 old mattresses, City Council member Noel Gallo not our families living in the flats,” grateful for the union’s help, declar- three dead animals, plus count- encouraged the new outreach effort to said Gallo. “Your efforts are helping ing, “Our outreach efforts wouldn’t less discarded pieces of furniture, be launched in his district where Span- to correct that injustice by making have been nearly as successful with- couches and old tires. City Council ish-speaking residents are the majority. the service available for all families in out the support of the ILWU local 6. member Noel Gallo, who has led our community.”

DISPATCHER • October 2015 5 ILWU members join hundreds at “Days of Grace” march and conference in Charleston, South Carolina embers from Locals that included Executive Board mem- 19 and 10 attended an bers Stacey Rodgers and Sean Graham. important march and Local 10 member Clarence Thomas also M attended and spoke at the conclusion of conference held in Charleston, the march. South Carolina on September 5 Local 19’s delegation included Night and 6 – the city where 9 parishio- Business Agent Jerome Johnson who trav- ners were brutally murdered by a elled with co-workers Abin Bola Nellams, racist at the city’s historic Mother Purnell Mitchell, and James Barnett. Emanuel African Methodist Epis- “We made the trip because it was a copal (AME) Church on June 17. great opportunity to show our support for the brothers and sisters on the East Coast Walter Scott murder during their time of need,” said John- The Labor Day events were also son. “It was an eye-opening experience part of the community’s response to the for us to see the politics of the South, and murder of Walter Scott who was fatally the great organizing being done by local shot by a North Charleston police officer 1422 that serves as a hub for community

on April 4, 2015. Scott was stopped by involvement and action there.” Photo byAndrew Knapp@Post & Courier a white officer for a brake light viola- Social justice movement tion who then fatally shot the unarmed tion as a human right, and an end to Tyrone Sanders shared what his son The strikingly diverse crowd num- black man in the back. The killing was gun violence. told the gunman moments before he bering in the hundreds came from caught on a chilling cell-phone video and eight others were killed at the Bible nearby communities and across the “Labor unions today need to be part that exposed the officer’s lies and led to study meeting that night. country. Participants filled the streets as of social justice movements that connect his murder indictment on June 8. they marched downtown, honoring the with the community,” said Local 10 Dis- “My son’s last words were, ‘We mean Solidarity & sorrow “Days of Grace” theme with a peaceful patcher Stacey Rodgers. “That’s why the you no harm.’” Tyrone concluded the Charleston march was so important and remarks as his voice choked with emo- Invitations to participate in the procession that promoted an agenda of why union members need to be a part of tion, explaining “I’m at a loss for words.” march and conference came from work- positive change, political action, civil these struggles.” ers at the Port of Charleston who belong rights and worker justice. Many issues united the International Longshoremen’s Asso- Unfinished work Challenging racism The march united many causes. A ciation (ILA) Local 1422. Some of the The Days of Grace honored the leg- When marchers reached the site of contingent of activists from Black Lives Charleston longshore workers also acy of State Senator Pinckney who was the Emanuel AME Church where the Matter was joined by supporters of presi- belonged to the Mother Emanuel AME among those murdered in the Mother nine members were murdered, time was dential candidate Bernie Sanders. Orga- church, where one union member lost Emanuel AME massacre. Pinckney taken to honor the fallen with silence, nizers fighting to raise the minimum both his son and aunt in the racist attack. served in the state legislature for 17 prayers and reflection. The featured wage to $15 an hour carried signs with “These murders were so shock- years where he promoted a progres- speaker was Rev. William J. Barber II, union members and supporters. Long- ing and this march just seemed like a sive political agenda that included end- president of the North Carolina NAACP time NAACP and Southern Christian positive way to help the community ing police violence, expanding voting and organizer of the Moral Monday Leadership Conference veterans of the heal from such a brutal assault,” said rights, living wages for workers, afford- movement that has held protests each 1950’s and 60’s who battled for Civil President Melvin Mackay who trav- able healthcare for all, quality educa- Monday at North Carolina’s State Capi- Rights against Jim Crow laws were on elled to Charleston with a delegation tol since 2013. hand, along with younger activists such “Rev. Barber wasn’t preaching as DeRay Mckesson, who helped orga- religion at the march; he connected with nize protests in Ferguson, Missouri after me by talking about the need to chal- Michael Brown was killed there by police. lenge racism in America,” said Local 10’s Organizing will continue Sean Graham. Many activists remained in Charles- “He said that taking down the con- ton after the march for meetings held at federate flag was a positive step, but the ILA Local 1422 union hall on Satur- pointed out that act is just a symbol as day evening and Sunday. long as racism and injustice continue in ILA union leader Leonard Riley Jr., may South Carolina and across America.” have expressed the sentiments of many Family members testify who attended the meeting when he said, Family members who lost their “There’s a feeling that people of good loved ones on June 17 were the special will need to be heard in this moment,” honorees who marched and shared their He noted that the removal of the Con- Solidarity in Charleston: ILWU members travelled to Charleston over Labor stories. One of those who spoke was federate flag at South Carolina’s capitol Day weekend for a march and conference held under the theme “Days of Grace: longshoreman Tyrone H. Sanders, who building was a hopeful sign, and said he Love’s Work is Justice.” (L-R) Local 19 member Abin Bola Nellams, Local 10 member lost his youngest son, Tywanza, and his believes the state is ready to move for- Sean Graham, Local 19 member Parnell Mitchell, Local 10 President Melvin Mackay, ILA aunt in the shooting. His wife, Felicia, ward. “But we need to back that up with Local 1422 President and ILA International Vice-President Ken Riley, Local 19 member was also shot but survived. policies that make this a better state to Jerome Johnson, Local10 member Stacey Rodgers, Local 19 member James Barnett. live in for everyone.” Grain Workers Union affiliates with ILWU Canada n Friday August 28 on August 31 and the new agreement work that has gone into this decision. ILWU Canada President goes into effect on September 1, 2015. We also want to thank the BCGEU Mark Gordienko and There will be a vote to finalize this mat- for allowing this change, as we think O ter at the 2016 Convention. this is a very good affiliation as both Grain Workers Union (GWU) The Interim Affiliation Agreement unions have worked side by side on the President Gerry Gault signed an expires at Convention and this will waterfront for over 70 years. We have Interim Affiliation Agreement allow the GWU to debate and vote on much in common and believe this will bringing the GWU into ILWU this in a timely way. strengthen the security of all workers Canada. The GWU represents about 650 on the waterfront. The Interim Affiliation Agreement This Interim Agreement will last workers at six grain elevators on the will be placed on the Agenda of the next until the ILWU Canada Convention in west coast of BC in Prince Rupert and ILWU Canada Executive Board Meet- April 2016. The Grain Workers asked Vancouver, and a number of smaller ing which is being held in Nanaimo on for and were released from their cur- bargaining units. September 21, and President Gault will rent affiliation with the BC Govern- ILWU Canada wants to take this be there to represent his Members. ment and Service Employees Union opportunity to thank the GWU for the

6 DISPATCHER • October 2015 ILWU and community coalition challenge dangerous crude oil terminal in Vancouver, WA continued from page 1 raised serious questions about possible Secret meetings & finger-pointing a threat to property values and future Fracking fuels oil boom violations of state laws and an erosion of The lawsuit exposed thousands of development options. the Port’s commitment to an open and Record volumes of oil are moving pages of Port documents that appear Political showdown democratic decision-making process. to confirm violations of state laws pro- by rail because oil production in North An election to fill the open seat hibiting public agencies from conduct- Dakota and Texas have shot to levels Official amnesia on Vancouver’s Port Commission this ing their business in secret. Documents not seen in 30 years. The boom is based By early 2013, Port staff picked November is turning into a referen- show the Port held at least nine private on “fracking,” a drilling technique that two powerful petroleum industry play- dum on the crude oil export terminal. meetings involving the oil export termi- injects high-pressure chemicals under- ers – Tesoro and Savage – to operate In the August primary election, a field nal. After those meetings were exposed, ground to loosen oil and gas deposits. the proposed oil terminal. One port of seven candidates was whittled down the Port admitted holding at least seven The process allowed the U.S. to become commissioner admitted that decision to a showdown between Eric LaBrant secret meetings, but officials continue the world’s largest oil producer in 2015 “probably” took place in a closed-door who opposes the crude export termi- to insist that no laws were violated. – eclipsing Russia, and thus achieving executive session. Other commission- nal, and Lisa Ross, who strongly backs The lawsuit has led to the deposition a quiet but critical U.S. foreign policy ers say they can’t remember or agree the project. The candidates also dis- under oath of three Port Commission- goal of limiting Russia’s ability to gain on exactly what happened in the pri- agree on the Commission’s history ers about their role in the oil terminal influence through energy exports. vate meetings, but records show that of secret meetings, with LaBrant call- deal. Two of the three commission- oil executives met in private with Port ing for a more open process and Ross Financial pressure ers have offered conflicting statements officials in at least one closed-door ses- defending deals that were reached in The Port of Vancouver became about whether they approved the secret sion. By April 18, Tesoro was mov- private. And if the crude oil terminal entangled in the crude oil export development deal, or if it was approved ing forward with the project, and the deal falls apart, Ross is open to replac- scheme after incurring debts on a $275 by the Port’s CEO, Todd Coleman. In next day, both companies received an ing it with a coal export facility while million infrastructure improvement the midst of the controversy, Port Com- exclusive negotiating agreement from LeBrant favors exporting hi-value man- project, called the West Vancouver missioner Nancy Baker announced she the Port. On April 22, 2013, the com- ufactured goods made in the USA. As Freight Access. It aimed to expand rail was stepping down and would not seek panies formally announced plans for of September, the Ross campaign had capacity and hopefully attract new cli- re-election. ents and jobs to the port. In 2012, Port the oil export terminal. raised $25,000, including money from “Managing” public concern oil interests, while LaBrant collected officials thought they had a deal with Lawsuit filed In one of their secret meetings $15,000 – including a $1500 donation BHP Billiton – one of the world’s largest In a backwards decision-making held in April of 2013, oil and rail from the ILWU. mining companies – to export potash process, the Port announced a series of executives met privately with port fertilizer from a new mine in Canada. hearings on safety and environmental Governor’s decision commissioners Baker, Jerry Oliver But that deal died and left the Port with concerns after – not before – making The lawsuit and Port Commission and Brian Wolfe to strategize how to no client, excess capacity and mount- their secret deal with Tesoro and Sav- election remain a critically important manage and neutralize concern and ing debt payments on their new infra- age. Those hearings in the spring and part of the campaign. Washington State criticism from local citizens. structure project. That’s when officials summer of 2013 seemed like “window Governor Jay Inslee retains final author- began promoting the crude oil export dressing” and a “rubber stamp to many ILWU joins protests ity to approve or reject the oil plan that terminal as the Port’s potential savior. citizens who responded by filing a law- ILWU Local 4 members and lead- will be reviewed by the state’s Energy Secret deals suit in October, 2013. The suit was ers have become part of the informal Facility Site Evaluation Council. Wheels were greased for the oil backed by the Columbia Riverkeeper, network of Vancouver citizen groups “We intend to keep up the pres- export terminal in 2013 through a Sierra Club and Northwest Environ- who are opposing the crude-oil export sure and keep working with our allies series of secret meetings with officials mental Defense Center. terminal. In addition to labor and envi- in the community to dump this dan- at the Port of Vancouver. The closed “It may be hard for some to believe, ronmental organizations, the diverse gerous crude oil terminal plan and door meetings were recently analyzed but environmental groups have been group of opponents includes local get the Port Commission back on the in a series of reports published by the our most dependable allies in the fights business owners and land developers right track,” said Local 4’s President Columbian newspaper that examined we’ve had for good jobs in this com- who worry that the export terminal is Jared Smith. 1600 pages of documents. The reports munity,” said Cager Clabaugh. ILWU members tell Oakland City Council to kill coal terminal plan continued from page 3 America’s, which allows companies to Pecker represented the ILWU’s North- Oakland City Council members who support to win approval from the “buy” their right to pollute. ern California District Council, argu- expressed concern about the coal ter- Oakland City Council and $400-500 ing that West Oakland residents have minal. A Denver-based law firm that Explaining ILWU views million in public subsidies. After win- long suffered from heavy pollution in represents the nation’s largest coal ning political approval, it was revealed The ILWU approached the coal their neighborhood, and deserve better companies and Wall Street firms who that developers were working closely hearing with a unified voice. Local 10, options than a coal terminal. finance them, is seeking emails, voice with anti-union coal companies in Local 34 and the Northern California mails, texting and other communica- Expert testimony Utah who desperately want a private District Council have all taken posi- tion records from Council members. dock to export their fuel abroad, and tions opposing the coal terminal. Local A team of experts, including sev- Media coverage offered developers $53 million to make 10 Business Agent Derrick Muhammad eral current and former government it happen. was the first ILWU member to speak officials, testified about the dangers of Media coverage of the September at the public hearing on September 15. transporting and burning coal. They City Council hearing on the coal ter- Exporting coal abroad Muhammad immediately assailed the included the State of California’s for- minal was extensive, and some outlets Exports are crucial to North Amer- simplistic job arguments used by coal mer top environmental health offi- have devoted resources to investigating ica’s coal industry because domestic terminal supporters. cial, a current EPA official and Alam- the project in greater detail. Investiga- consumption and prices are falling as “Prostitution and drug dealing eda County’s public health officer. tive reporter Darwin BondGraham of the dirty fuel is replaced with cleaner both create lots of jobs in Oakland, but The health officials joined engineer- the East Bay Express has led the way and cheaper natural gas and alterna- they aren’t the kind of jobs we need,” ing experts who said the coal termi- by exposing the coal industry’s finan- tives such as solar. This reality has said Muhammad, who declared that nal involved unnecessary health, envi- cial and lobbying networks that usually forced the coal industry – now almost coal terminal jobs should be similarly ronmental and economic risks. One operate in the shadows. entirely non-union – to sell their prod- unwelcome. expert noted that a similar expensive “The bottom line,” says Local 10 uct abroad to countries with minimal Chris Christensen, President of coal terminal investment by the Port of President Melvin Mackay, “is that environmental and worker safety pro- the Bay Area Longshoremen’s Memo- Los Angeles had failed to generate the this coal terminal is not something tections, such as China, Vietnam, and rial Association, also testified about the jobs and business that were promised members support because it’s bad for India. These countries have histori- downside of coal jobs for the commu- by the coal industry. the community, bad for the union and cally resisted global agreements to limit nity and longshore workers and urged Company threats bad for the environment.” greenhouse gas emissions that cause the City Council to oppose the coal In addition to threatening lawsuits global climate change. China recently export terminal. declared a willingness to adopt a mar- at the public hearing, coal interests Local 6 Secretary-Treasurer Fred ket-based “cap-and-trade” system like have been quietly investigating several

DISPATCHER • October 2015 7 TRANSITIONS A Helping Hand... NEW PENSIONERS: Jones; Raymond L. Farillas; ...when you need it most. That’s Local 8: Gilbert E. Nass, Jr.; Local 19: Robert D. Auckland; Oliver H. Ede; Michael D. Wehage; Darrel B. Stone; Local 21: Frank R. what we’re all about. We are the Local 10: Vernon L. Taylor; Medlock; Local 23: Clarence R. representatives of the ILWU- Local 13: Nick C. Geich; Hendi A. Walker Jr; Local 26: Arnold Ancich, Jr.; Larry P. Lauriano; Andrews; John Bernal; Local 34: sponsored recovery programs. Ronnie P. Paris; Gregory G. Burress; Lucille G. English; Richard Fleming; We provide professional and Jean R. Malebranche; Ruben M. Local 40: James H. Chrest; Borja; Alvin Williams; Theodore J. Local 46: Leandro Franco; confidential assistance to you Lester; Local 19: Frank F. Kroger; Local 52: Kenneth G. Maurice; and your family for alcoholism, Local 46: Judy A. Bryant; Local 63: Donald J. Campbell; Local 47: Allen J. Pfaff Jr.; Harlan Azpeitia Sr.; Local 91: drug abuse and other problems— Local 52: Cheryl A. Reinhardt; Ralph O. Edalgo Jr; Local 92: and we’re just a phone call away. Local 63: Allen C. Widner; Charles Clarence E. Uskoski; F. Hecht; John L. Gera; Steven A. Deceased Survivors: Trutanich; Helene J. Beutler; Local 4: Marguerite M. Ireton; ILWU LONGSHORE DIVISION Yvonne G. Turner; Cynthia C. Marvis Nickerson; Local 10: Lewis; Local 94: Elias Gomez Jr; ADRP—Southern California ADRP—Oregon Candace Antoine; Maria R. Perez; Jackie Cummings Brian Harvey DECEASED PENSIONERS: Local 21: Viola M. Sholtys; Vieno 870 West Ninth St. #201 5201 SW Westgate Dr. #207 Local 8: Jim K. Cooper; Charles R. Phillips; Local 92: Wilma J. San Pedro, CA 90731 Portland, OR 97221 Bouska; Local 10: Walter Paul Jr.; Bilderback; Frances Brusco; (310) 547-9966 (503) 231-4882 Claude Noble; Peter De Jesus; Local 98: Leila M. Gerrish; ADRP—Northern California ADRP—Washington Local 13: Glenn L. Perry; Philip L. Hunny Powell Donnie Schwendeman [email protected] 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. #503 400 North Point Tacoma, WA 98424 San Francisco, CA 94133 (253) 922-8913 (415) 776-8363 ILWU CANADA ILWU WAREHOUSE DIVISION EAP—British Columbia 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

ILWU BOOKs & VIDEOs ILWU BOOK & VIDEO order form

Books and videos about the ILWU are available from the ORDER BY MAIL union’s library at discounted prices! ___ copies of Solidarity Stories @ $17 ea. = $_____ BOOKS Solidarity Stories: An Oral History of the ILWU. By Harvey Schwartz. An inspiring collection ___ copies of A Spark Is Struck @ $13.50 ea.= $_____ of first-hand accounts from ILWU union leaders and rank-and-file workers. $17.00. ___ copies of The Legacy of 1934 @ two for $5 = $_____ A Spark Is Struck: Jack Hall & the ILWU in Hawaii. By Sanford Zalburg: A high quality re-issue of the informative epic account of Jack Hall and the birth and growth of the ILWU in Hawaii $13.50 (paperback). ___ copies of Harry Bridges @ $10 ea.= $_____ The Legacy of 1934: An historical exhibit by the ILWU. Produced as a catalogue to accompany ___ copies of ILWU Story @ $5 ea. = $_____ the new traveling historical art exhibit about the origins of the ILWU in the 1934 maritime strike, this brief but vivid publication stands on its own as a pictorial history of the coastwise ___ copies of The Big Strike @ $9.00 ea. = $_____ strike and an account of the extraordinary sacrifices and democratic principles of the founding members of the union. Two (2) for $5.00 ___ copies of The Union Makes Us Strong @ $20 ea. = $_____ Harry Bridges: The Rise and Fall of Radical Labor in the United States. By Charles Larrowe. A limited number of copies of this out-of-print and useful biography are now available ___ copies of The March Inland @ $9 ea.= $_____ through the book sale by special arrangement with Bolerium Books in San Francisco, which specializes in rare publications and documents about radical and labor history. $10.00 ___ copies of Eye of the Storm DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ The ILWU Story. This book unrolls the history of the union from its origins to the present, complete with recollections from the men and women who built the union, in their own ___ copies of We Are the ILWU VHS @ $5 ea. = $_____ words, and dozens of rare photos of the union in action. $5.00 The Big Strike. By Mike Quin. The classic partisan account of the 1934 strike. $9.00 ___ copies of A Life on the Beam DVD @ $5 ea. = $_____ The Union Makes Us Strong: Radical Unionism on the San Francisco Waterfront. By David Wellman. The important new study of longshoring in the ILWU. $20.00 (paperback) Total Enclosed $_____ The March Inland: Origins of the ILWU Warehouse Division 1934-1938. By Harvey Schwartz. No sales outside the U.S. A new edition of the only comprehensive account of the union’s organizing campaign in We regret that U.S. Customs and postal regulations create too great a burden the northern California warehouse and distribution industry. $9.00 for our staff to maintain book sale service to our members and friends outside

VIDEOS the United States. “Eye of the Storm: Our Fight for Justice and a Better Contract.” A 58-minute DVD feature documentary film produced and directed by Amie Williams, Eye of the Storm tells the story Name______of the 2002 longshore lockout on the West Coast. DVD Version $5.00 Street Address or PO Box ______“We Are the ILWU.” A 30-minute color video introducing the principles and traditions of the ILWU. Features active and retired members talking about what the union meant in City ______State______Zip______their lives and what it needs to survive and thrive, along with film clips, historical photos and an original musical score. DVD or VHS version $5.00 Make check or money order (U.S. Funds) payable to “ILWU” and send to

“Life on the Beam: A Memorial to Harry Bridges.” A 17-minute DVD of the original video ILWU Library, 1188 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 production by California Working Group, Inc., memorializes Harry Bridges through still Prices include shipping and handling. photographs, recorded interviews, and reminiscences. Originally produced for the 1990 memorial service in San Francisco. DVD $5.00 Please allow at least four weeks for delivery. Shipment to U.S. addresses only

8 DISPATCHER • October 2015