SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
(vote for one)
LUISA GRATZ, LOCAL 26To maintain the strength of our organization, the ILWU, all divisions must be represented, both longshore and warehouse, so that all voices are heard, and participate in decisions that effect our jobs, our union and our collective future.
I have been honored to serve our union and membership on the International Executive Board. I was first elected in 1983, and was re-elected many times by the ILWU membership for this position.
I also continue to serve our membership as ILWU Local 26 President and Business Agent, since 1980, where my duties include chief negotiator, handling and preparing arbitrations, contract negotiations, NLRB and EEOC cases, organizer, and other membership services.
If elected, I would be honored to again have the opportunity to serve our members in the ILWU on the International Executive Board.
There are three (3) IEB seats available to longshore and warehouse members from Southern California. I am seeking to fill one of these positions.
United we stand
Thank you for your support
JOHN TOUSSEAU, LOCAL 63
Brothers and sisters.
My name is John Tousseau, and I am seeking re-election to the position of International Executive Member. I have been an Executive Board Member from 1994—present. I feel that I have served the rank and file, to the best of my ability, for the past 12 years, and would like to continue to serve you and this great union of ours.
I have been a member of the Longshore Division for 38 years 20 years in ILWU Local 13 and 18 years in ILWU Local 63, Marine Clerks.
I have served as a negotiator for the Coast Safety Committee in 1987 negotiations, and as a negotiator for the Coast Longshore Master Contract in 1999 and 2002, negotiations.
Again, it would be a privilege, for me to serve you, and our great union as a member of the International Executive Board again.
God Bless you and thank you
John Tousseau
Hermanos y Hermanas,
Mi nombre es John Tousseau, y deceo que me re-elijas para la posicion de Membro de la Mesa Executiva del Sindicato Internacional.
He servido yo en esta posicion por 12 anos, y pienso que he servido a este sindicato con toda mis fuerzas. Tengo 38 anos con el ILWU, 20 anos como estivadore en el Local 13, y 18 anos en el Local 63 Marine Clerks.
Tambien he servido en las negociaciones de los contractos de seguridad en 1987 y en las negociaciones de los contratos principales en 1999 y 2002.
Dios te vendiga, y muchas gracias
John Tousseau
WARREN SHELTON, LOCAL 46
I am Warren Shelton from Local 46, running for International Executive Board, Southern California. I am honored to be nominated for this position to serve this rank and file. I started in this great union in 1981 as a casual. Registered in 1986 as a Class “B” Longshoremen and was elevated to Class “A” Longshoreman in 1991. Transferred as a Union choice Clerk in 2003. I have served on these committees:
• Vice President Local 46: 2005-present
• Secretary/Dispatcher Local 46: 2002-2004
• Labor Relations Committee Local 46: 1993-1994, 2002-present
• Executive Board Local 46: 1993-1994, 2001-present
• Trustee Local 46: 2001, 2004-present
• Caucus Delegate Local 46: 2004-present
• So. California District Council Delegate: 2003-present
• Health Pension Welfare Committee: 2003-present
• Presidential Election Volunteer in Ohio: 2004
• Legislative Conference, Washington D.C.: 2004, 2006
In order to protect the future of our Union I feel we need to mobilize and educated our members on many issues. Political Action is a very important area that we need to grow in. Our members need to understand the importance of State and Federal laws that are being drafted against Labor and Unions. We need to build our local district councils and raise money for our State and Federal Elections. We also need to educate our members on all levels of politics.
Organizing is another area, we need to follow the “New March Inland” and also organize in the areas we are already established in. We need to hold the line on Healthcare and get involved in greening our ports and our communities.
We also need to communicate between the divisions better so that everyone knows what is taking place throughout the whole union.
I am qualified and committed to serve the International Executive Board and would greatly appreciate your vote! Thank You!
MIKE MITRE, LOCAL 13
My name is Mike Mitre and I am running for re-election to the I.L.W.U. International Executive Board (I.E.B.) When in session, the I.E.B. is the most powerful body of the union, and it is very important. Having served for the past several terms as one of the longshore representative’s from Southern California, I am grateful for the support that I’ve received. Having been a past President of Local 13, I am presently serving on the Longshore Legislative Committee, and as the Director of Port Security for the ILWU. I have testified before both the Senate and House Committees regarding Port Security, and most recently before the full Senate Committee investigating the Dubai Ports “incident.” I have served various terms on Local 13’s Executive Board, and as a past and present Caucus and Convention delegate.
Brothers and sisters, we’re at a crossroads. This is, quite possibly, the most important time in the history of our union. We are dealing with multi-national employers and a Bush government so interconnected that it’s hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins. Solid, good-paying American jobs are disappearing at a record rate and the inherent lack of respect for workers worldwide is only getting worse. And in the middle of this are the massive global corporations who aren’t just running this country, but the entire world. All workers deserve the same respect, representation, and basic rights as everyone else. But somehow, somewhere, this most basic of messages has gotten lost. Somewhere along the line, the Bush Administration has decided that workers and organized labor are a “bad” thing, and it’s their “duty” to convince the public of this. It is wrong. It must be challenged, and it must be changed. Brothers and sisters this is the battle we’re faced with. This is the battleground of the Intl. Executive Board
This is the same administration whose foray into Iraq is costing us 6 billion a month, who has given nothing but money and tax-breaks to the corporate rich, and who is virtually destroying the middle class. And what has Bush given us? Nothing less than the worst health care crisis America has ever seen and a social security fiasco that, if not corrected, is going to bankrupt not only ourselves, but our children and our children’s children.
Brothers and sisters, these are but a few of the issues facing the International Executive Board. The ILWU has developed a worldwide reputation for representing those who have a hard time representing themselves. The exploitation of children, the murderous regimes targeting unions and union organizers, and sweatshops who exploit women of every race, creed, and color are but a small example of whom we speak for. For ourselves however, we all share one thing; we belong to the greatest labor organization ever, the ILWU. We must strive to educate our newer members how our forefathers sweat and bled for us; and that it’s up to us to maintain the legacy they’ve left behind.
TIM PODUE, LOCAL 13
Brothers and sisters, my name is Tom Podue. I have just served as a Local 13 Delegate to the International Convention and Longshore Division Caucus, and I am honored and grateful to have been nominated by President Mark Mendoza as a candidate for the International Executive Board. I have come up through the ranks, serving my local in many capacities, and appreciate this opportunity to give you some background information about myself and what I have to offer on your behalf.
I have served continuously on the Executive Board of Local 13 since 1996. I was elected as Business Agent in 1997, and have been a relief B.A. since then. I have been a Caucus Delegate 5 times since 1998, participating at the 1999 Contract Caucus and representing Southern California on the Safety Committee for a period during the 1999-2002 Contract. I served two terms as the Vice-President of Local 13, from 2003-2005.
During my term as Vice-President, I represented (with the help of former Coast Committeeman Richard “Ole” Olson) the brothers of Local 13’s Allied Division during contract bargaining with SSA-Crescent Warehouse in San Pedro, in which we attained a good contract with Maintenance of Benefits and a $3 per hour raise over 3 years. I was in charge of the Registration Committee, registering 2,500 new Class “B” members, and oversaw the Special Section 13.2 Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation. I was also in charge of USERRA policy (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Administration) for the local, caring for Veterans returning from military service. As V.P., I was overseer of almost every Labor Relations Committee Meeting (Regular, Mechanic, Class “B,” Casual and Special).
Finally, I have spent countless hours of personal time and energy working on the following Local 13 Committees: Labor Relations, Grievance, Political Action, Constitution, Dispatch Rules, Budget, Outreach and Trademark.
Throughout my years of service, I have been responsible for both Contract Administration and administration of Local 13. I have devoted my heart and energy to the rank-and file with these simple and consistent Union principles: respect our history, preserve our jurisdiction, protect our membership, and prepare for our future. All that I have ever asked for myself, the Employers and the Union membership is to “Do the right thing.” As an Officer, Delegate, and Committeeman in the last 10 years, I feel that I have grown to possess the broad experience and tested capabilities to give you strong, candid, responsible and accessible representation at the International level. Progressive and tenacious, I am prepared and eager to represent all the Southern California Locals on the International Executive Board. I ask you to elect me to this new opportunity to serve the ILWU, and entrust me to “Do the right thing.”
JOHN FAGEAUX, JR. LOCAL 63, OCU
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
My name is John Fageaux and I am seeking a position on the International Executive Board representing the Southern California area.
First I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my campaign statement and for allowing me to share with you the reasons you should vote for me in the upcoming election.
Experience
I am a proud member of ILWU Local 63 OCU. I am currently serving as President of the local, a position I have been elected to for 5 consecutive terms. I first became a member of the ILWU by way of Local 13 Allied Division in the 1980’s. Since then I have held many different positions such as Shop Steward, Grievance Committee Member, Membership Committee Member, Executive Board Member, Vice President/Business Agent and now President.
Accomplishments
While serving as an officer of Local 63 OCU I have negotiated dozens of contracts, all of which have resulted in substantial gains in wages, health & welfare benefits, pensions and most importantly JOB SECURITY!
Under my leadership we have increased our Membership base by 80% and have organized and brought under contract the following companies: Hanjin Shipping, Hapag Lloyd, China Shipping, COSCO Agencies/Los Angeles, Support Services International, COSCO/Long Beach, Inchcape and Consolidated Leasing & Terminals.
Education & Training
I have been very fortunate in receiving a great deal of education and training related to labor and our unique industry. Following is a list of some of my education and training.
• Harvard University, Negotiating Labor Contracts 2002
• University of Michigan, Negotiating and Administering the Labor Contract 2005
• Labor Law and Arbitration Course 2003 and 2004
• International Legislative Conference in Washington, DC 2004
• Transpacific Maritime Conference 2001, 2002 & 2004
• Breakbulk Conference 2002, 2003 & 2004
• Three ILWU International Conventions 2000, 2003 & 2006
• ILWU LEAD Program 1998
In conclusion I believe it is clear that my experience and education provide me with the tools necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of International Executive Board and look to your support in the upcoming election.
Fraternally,
John Fageaux, Jr.
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD / IBU
(vote for one)
ALAN COTE, IBU
I am honored that the members of the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific—Marine Division of the ILWU nominated me for the International Executive Board. Keeping the ferries, tugs and waterfront workers union is my number one priority. As I write this, our division is organizing spill response workers and environmental workers as well as defending our existing jurisdiction on San Francisco ferries.
However, at the 2006 convention I learned that our struggle in San Francisco is one of many battles waged every day by ILWU locals. The entire ILWU is under a concerted attack and the denigration and even worse, elimination of our contracts is the prize sought by the very industries our labor created.
The guest speakers at the convention threw down the gauntlet: either unify the working class behind the great principles of the ILWU or slip into the darkness and despair of economic and political injustice. We were not just challenged to protect ourselves, but all of organized labor from Australian dockers to Blue Diamond Almond workers.
In order to wage this battle for ILWU justice as well as justice for all workers we must remain unified. The convention is our opportunity to listen to all of the members through their delegations. Perhaps some of the delegates’ needs were not met, but the IEB representatives can continue to find better ways to internally organize, educate and represent all of the ILWU, then we can answer the challenge laid before us with strength and determination.
Even though many races, including mine, are uncontested vote anyway, show support for the elected officers as they step up to the challenges ahead.
Alan Cote has been a member of the Inlandboatmen’s Union, the Marine Division of the ILWU, since 1989.
Alan was elected Business Agent in 1999 and National President in March of 2006.
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD / DESERT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
(vote for one)
RAY E. PANTER, LOCAL 30
Dear brothers and sisters of the ILWU, my name is Ray Panter the current President of ILWU Local 30. I’ve held the President position for eleven years, Vice President for six years, Chief Steward, Steward, E-Board member and Convention Delegate at five conventions, elected by the rank and file.
I’m running for the position of the International Executive Board, Desert Region. This position was passed by the 32nd annual convention. I understand that only Local 30 ballots will be counted when their cast for this position, so when you receive your ballot in the mail please vote and return your ballot.
I have experience to serve on the IEB with being an ILWU member for 40 years. I will support in service, not only the Desert Region but the entire ILWU rank and file. Our first representative did not, if very little, give reports on the decisions made by the IEB but this go around, full reports will be made to the rank and file.
My opponent in this election is a very young man with limited experience and has little knowledge of how the union works, so “VOTE” for experience “VOTE” Ray E. Panter when you receive your ballot in the mail around June 30, 2006.
The next three years will be a global battle for all the ILWU including the Desert Regions, Battle with Rio Tinto.
I respectfully ask for your vote. Mail in your ballots.
MICHAEL DAVENPORT, LOCAL 30
I am a candidate for the International Executive Board, Desert Region. I am currently the Recording Secretary for Local 30 and look forward to the challenges of serving not only my local, but the brothers and sisters of all our locals within the ILWU. In May of this year I had the opportunity to represent the ILWU in Washington D.C. and share in the process of legislative action that I feel is essential to continuing and improving the way of life that we as Union members and American workers deserve. My promise to you is that I will never lose sight of what it means to represent the members of our Union, that each and every voice deserves to be heard and that together we can make this Union prosperous and the envy of every working man and woman. We have many challenges ahead as we try to stay relevant in an ever changing workforce. It is important that we improve our methods of organizing and commit ourselves to supporting the brave men and women that take the chance to welcome us into their workplace. We have to earn the trust of our membership and provide information to those who elect us to keep our Union strong.
My thanks to all members of the ILWU.
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD--ALASKA
(vote for one)
PETE HENDRICKSON, ALASKA LONGSHORE LOCAL
No statement submitted.
DEBBIE (MOUSE) MANOWSKI, RN, LOCAL 200
No statement submitted.
COLUMBIA RIVER INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
(vote for two)
STEPHEN HANSON, LOCAL 8
Brothers and Sisters:
I am running for the position of International Executive Board.
I received my B book in 1968 and my A book in 1972. I stood picket duty in the strike of 1971, and it gave me an understanding of what a Union is about and how important it is to stand together.
I started as a shop steward in 1983, then ran for other offices in my local. I have been elected President, Labor Relations Committee, Business Agent, Executive Board member, Caucus and Convention delegate for Local 8.
For the Oregon Area, I have been the Area Chairman and Secretary of the Labor Relations Committee I have passed the AFL-CIO Organizing school, the L.E.A.D. conference, and I have worked on several organizing campaigns and have also helped negotiate all of our local agreements.
On the International level I have been the chairman of the Budget Committee for the last seven years. I am also on the Education Committee and the Jurisdiction Committee for the Longshore Division.
One of the most important things in our life needs to be the Union. We have at least two major issues facing us now—one is Technology and the other is Security. On the technology issue, we have over 400 jobs at stake, and they are our jobs. Clerk jurisdiction concerns us all. The government is trying to pass legislation to affect all our jobs, and we need to stick together for the benefit of all.
The International Executive Board guides the Union between conventions. This is going to be an important time for the next couple of elections because of the governmental intervention on behalf of our employers.
I believe that the first guiding principle of the ILWU, “A union is built on its members” is under attack. Our brothers in California and Hawaii are being attacked by their employers. They are Blue Diamond in California and Del-Monte in Hawaii. We need to stand up and be counted.
The 4th guiding principle. “To help any worker in distress”, must be a daily guide in the life of every trade union and its’ individual members. If we vacation in Hawaii, stay at one of our hotels. We have several on every island. You can find them at www.ilwu.org/hawaii/hawaii-hotels.cfm. If you want a book, use our Brothers and Sisters at Local 5 – Powell Books. We can help each other out by buying from each other Local 5 web page is http://powellsunion.com/mainpage.php.
I thank you very much for taking the time to read this. Please take a few minutes to read about all the candidates, think about your representation, and vote for whomever you think will represent you the best. I would truly like your support, but if not, please be sure to vote. We are only as strong as our members.
In solidarity forever, Stephen Hanson
RYAN TAKAS, LOCAL 5
Fellow Workers of the ILWU:
I am Ryan Takas. I am running for International Executive Board as a Representative for the Columbia River District Area. I am a proud rank and file Local 5 member of over 6 years and look forward to continuing this tradition. Since winning my rights as a union member, I have immersed myself: first in the creation and now continuation and betterment of our union. I was there on May Day, 2000 when we fledgling Local 5 members first saw what it was to have the backing of our brothers and sisters in our struggle. We saw the power of workers united in hardship and determination. Since then, nothing could turn me away from the labor movement.
I have served in key positions on the bargaining team in both Powell’s contract campaigns (2000 and 2004) as well as the Local 5 Olympia unit (2002 and 2005). I’ve served as a steward for my entire rank and file tenure. I have served on the Local 5 Executive Board for 6 years – as full time Business Agent (200-2003, 2005-present) and as Vice President (2003-2005). In 2003 and 2006, I attended the ILWU Convention as an elected delegate of Locl 5. I have participated in the ILWU Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program. I have taken dozens of classes at the Portland State University Labor Education Research Center (LERC). I am a member on the Oregon Area District Council (OADC) and serve on the Jobs with Justice (JWJ) steering committee. I have worked tirelessly to further the principals of this union not only for Local 5 workers but many workers in the community. I have supported workers on behalf of the ILWU in countless picket lines. Of note, I joined JWJ in their efforts to pressure PMA companies’ retail locations during the lockout. I am an unwavering ally to both Warehouse and Longshore. My loyalty to my class and my union is clear.
As member of the IEB, I am committed to being a voice on behalf of every Local in our area. After every IEB meeting, I will timely communicate with each local in the area about the state of our Union. It is my goal to meet with every local in the area on a quarterly basis. I am readily available to hear your concerns, support you in your struggles and strive to ensure you have the best possible representation on the IEB.
Finally, and most importantly, I am committed to democracy in the ILWU. This kind of rank and file democracy is one of the paramount reasons we workers at Powell’s chose this great union. I believe an important component in ILWU democracy is having a varaity of voices at the table: Warehouse, Longshore, young, old, multicultural and multiracial. In order for this democracy to function, we must VOTE. I would appreciate if, when you vote, vote for me. I will not disappoint you and I will always give you my best.
GEORGE D. O'NEIL, LOCAL 40
Brothers and sisters,
My name is George O’Neil and I am a candidate for the office of International Executive Board, Columbia River Area.
I started in Local 8 Portland on April 12, 1980. During my 20 years in Local 8 I held the offices of President, BA, LRC, Dispatcher, Caucus Delegate, and on the Executive Board.
I helped negotiate local agreements and co-chaired the in-house Grain Agreement.
In 2000, I transferred to Local 40, Portland clerks. I have held the office of President, and currently am a Dispatcher and Caucus Delegate.
I feel I have gained a wider perspective on issues by being both a longshoreman and clerk.
My main goal is for a unified ILWU, with foremen, clerks, and longshoremen working together during these times of change, especially with the new technologies coming.
I will also strive to learn more about the needs of the non-longshore locals and assist them in any way possible.
If elected, I will make sure every local in my area is up to speed on the happenings of the IEB, with reports either in person or written and sent to them in a timely manner. Thank you.
JERRY P. YLONEN, LOCAL 8
Brothers and Sisters:
I started on the Waterfront in 1971 as a Casual longshoreman in Longview, Washington, Local 21. I eventually became registered in Portland, Local 8, in 1980. I also spent four years as a member of Local 23, Tacoma. Since then, I have served Local 8 in the following offices: Executive Board, Dispatcher, LRC, Caucus Delegate and Trustee. I have also been involved locally in Ship Board Grain negotiations, In-House Grain Negotiations and Ash Grove (Lime/Cement) contracts.
On the Coast level, I was a negotiator representing the Oregon Area in the 2002 Coast Safety Contract Negotiations and am still a proud member on that Committee. At this time, I also serve on the Cruise Ship Jurisdiction Committee and the Automated Dispatch Committee.
On the International level, I am currently a member of the International Executive Board. I was fortunate enough to replace John Evans, due to his promotion to Foreman in 2003. The time I have spent on the International Executive Board since then has been a very rewarding and educational experience.
My goal as a candidate for International Executive Board representing the Columbia River area would be to continue to work closely with all the locals and divisions of the ILWU, and be accountable and available to all members, at all times. I am proud to be a member of this Union and will always honor the time I can give to serve it.
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD--HAWAII
(vote for each industrial grouping)
NATHAN "NATE" LUM, LOCAL 142, LONGSHORE
KENNETH IGE, LOCAL 142, GENERAL TRADES
AVELINO MARTIN, LOCAL 142, PINEAPPLE
JOEY SILVA, LOCAL 142, TOURISM
ROBERT ZAHL (BOB), LOCAL 142, SUGAR
CANADA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
(vote for one)
TOM DUFRESNE, LOCAL 500
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
(vote for three)
DENNIS BRUECKNER, LOCAL 54
No statement submitted.
FRED PECKER, LOCAL 6
FRED PECKER FOR INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
Brothers & Sisters,
I ask for your support in my run for a seat for the Northern California Area on the ILWU International Executive Board.
As Union workers we have to make our voices heard on many issues. The ILWU is faced with a host of issues- Jurisdiction, the Right to Organize, Environmental (e.g., dredging, air quality), Development and encroachment around maritime and industrial areas, Healthcare & Retirement, and Justice and Peace among them.
Over the years I have represented on behalf of all Divisions of the ILWU [Longshore, IBU, & Warehouse] in public hearings and other forums throughout the Bay Area [SF, Oakland, Richmond, Fremont], Stockton, Sacramento and Washington D.C. I participate in solidarity actions with other Unions regularly.
With your support I will continue to be a strong voice for Northern California on the International Executive Board.
I am currently Secretary-Treasurer of Local 6, Secretary-Treasurer of the Northern CA District Council, and on the ILWU International Executive Board. I also serve on the Executive Board of the San Francisco Labor Council, and as a Director of the ILWU-FSC Credit Union.
In Solidarity,
Fred Pecker
Local 6
Black Book # 11731
RICHARD CAVALLI, LOCAL 34
My name is Richard Cavalli and I am running for re-election to the office of Northern California representative to the International Executive Board. I have been on the Board for the last three years and I am also currently the President of Local 34 which represents Marine Clerks and Office Clerical workers in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Delta.
I will continue to represent the wishes of the rank and file while I serve on the Board as I have in the past.
This office is important within the structure of the Union as the International Executive Board is the Unions highest governing body between the Conventions, which are held every three years. The recently finished Convention showed us that the Union has a number of serious challenges to deal with; and this International Executive Board will have the task of deciding on the ILWU’s course of action. The next three years will be crucial to our Union.
While the future is impossible to forecast with certainly it surely will bring forth challenges for us. The political activities of the Union that are crucial to its ability to continue to effectively serve the membership must be carried out in an energetic fashion. Because the International Constitution provides that it is an objective of the ILWU to secure legislation favorable to labor and to oppose anti-labor legislation, our course is already set. Political action and how our Union will raise the funds necessary to support that political action will be a key issue. The need to successfully organize new workers is of paramount importance to the Union and the Board will have a role to play; We must fashion a response to the immigration question that does not make targets out of those workers that our Union organizes.
Furthermore, we must be ready to protect our members from attacks by those in government who claim in the name of national security the right to deny access of ILWU workers to their workplaces.
These are but some of the difficulties we will face in the next three years. I am sure there will be others, and this Board must be up to the task of finding solutions that carry the ILWU message.
Thank you for taking the time to allow me to share my concerns with you.
Fraternally
Richard Cavalli
LAWRENCE J. THIBEAUX, LOCAL 10
My name is Lawrence Thibeaux. I’ve spent my working life dedicated to the ILWU serving in nearly every capacity on a local and regional level. With my long view of the ILWU history and my many years of varied experience, I bring a seasoned perspective and sound judgment to the International Executive Board.
I have been a registered member of longshore Local 10 since 1967 and was an A-man during the 1972 strike and Taft-Hartley injunction. Since then I have served as Local 10’s Business Agent, Secretary-Treasurer and President. I have been on the Local 10 Executive Board most of the time and have been a regular Caucus and Convention delegate since 1982.
I spent 11 years as the Northern California District Council’s Legislative Representative. In that capacity I have worked in the California Legislature in Sacramento, testifying before numerous Assembly and Senate hearings and reporting the results to the council members. I lobbied for increases in the minimum wage, for higher unemployment and disability benefits. I know the system, the issues and the players and have used that for the good of the ILWU and all working people.
For the last five years I have been the Northern California representative on the Legislative Action Committee: I have lobbied for dredging of the Port of Oakland, Sacramento and Redwood City as well as formulating and executing the ILWU’s national political work.
I have always made our community and the ILWU role in it a central part of my work. I am currently working with the West Oakland Toxic Reduction Collaborative, a group dedicated to decreasing the harmful health effects of the port pollution on this predominantly African American neighborhood.
In the last two years served on the Coast Public Relations Committee, helping develop a new program to improve the ILWU image, to get out our story, and train our members to do it ourselves.
For the last three years I have served as the Northern California representative on the Longshore Port Security Committee, dealing with the government “Transportation Workers Identification Credential” (TWIC) and working to protect our members’ rights.
Finally, I have served in this capacity, as Northern California representative on the International Executive Board, since 1993.
I have witnessed the ILWU history for many years. No one can pull wool over my eyes—I was there when it happened!
I ask for your continued support to serve the ILWU.
PUGET SOUND INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
(vote for two)
[no photo submitted]
MATT VENTOZA, LOCAL 19
My father worked on the waterfront for over 40 years and of those years he was a Seattle foreman for over 20. Traveling to get work many of those years. My father thought so highly of this industry that he suggested I follow with this great longshore tradition and make longshoring my career. It has never been a job to me, it has been and will continue to be my life time work.
My name is Matt Ventoza. I started working on the Seattle waterfront (local 19) in 1978. I accumulated nearly 10,000 casual hours before being registered to “B” status in May of 1993. I became an A registered longshoreman in June of 1994. I started attending the local JPLRC meetings immediately to educate myself on how this aspect of our business operated from the inside. My services to my local include 2 years as a local 19 alternate Labor Relations Committee member(1998,2002), 2 years as Stevedore Safety representative(1999,2000), 2 years as Vice President (2004,2005), 3 years as Area Labor Relations Committee member (2003,2004,2005), 3 years as a Delegate to 2 Conventions and 3 Caucus’ and 4 years as an executive board member (2000,2003,2004,2005). I am currently the Local 19 Port Security Representative.
I am running for the position of International Executive Board member because I care about this great Union we belong to. I want this Union to be here for your children, grand children and great grand children. I run for this position as a servant to you, the members that make this union what it is today. We as a union must be united and strong for our upcoming contract negotiations, as an I.E.B. member I will make sure your voices and concerns are brought to the attention of this body for the betterment of this union. The intelligence of YOU the collective body of members is what makes this possible. Each one of your opinions matters and without your participation and foresight this Union would not be what is today.
We must look to the future and make the necessary adjustments needed to protect our jobs and lively hood as well as our retirement plan. I believe that our retirees are the most important asset we have and we MUST protect their well being from contract to contract. Not only do our retirees provide us with wisdom but they know the history of this union and that is something we must never lose or forget. We must THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX. We are at a crossroads, with the declining union memberships across the country and we must not quit participating the way we have been with our legislative body or we will become just another statistic. I will do my part on the I.E.B. to make sure we continue with our forward thinking and seek new ways to move forward to protect this industry as well aid others in their struggle for the right to belong to a Union.
RICH AUSTIN JR., LOCAL 19
Elect Rich Austin Jr. to the International Executive Board (I.E.B.)
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
As a third-generation longshore worker, I honor and appreciate the sacrifices made by the pioneers of our great union. When elected to the International Executive Board (I.E.B.) I vow to uphold our Union’s Constitution and the By-Laws of the Longshore Division. They have served us well.
Soon after becoming a member of the ILWU, I began participating in the affairs of our Union. I am currently on the Local 19 Labor Relations Committee and therefore a member of the local’s Executive Board. In addition, I am a Convention and Caucus Delegate, a member of the Coast Education Committee, and am the current Local 19 Shop Steward Chair. I have attended Educational Programs sponsored both by the International and the Longshore Division. Each of us has something to give back to our Union and all of us should make every effort to volunteer some of our time and pitch-in when needed.
The ILWU Constitution is a noble document. Its Objectives are:
“First, to unite in one organization, regardless of religion, race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation or nationality, all workers within the jurisdiction of this International;
Second, to maintain and improve the wages, hours, and working conditions for all of its members without discrimination;
Third, to educate the membership of this organization in the history of the American labor movement and in present day labor problems and tactics;
Fourth, to secure legislation in the interests of labor and to oppose anti-labor legislation.”
As a member of the I.E.B. I will do my best to preserve and uphold those four Objectives as well as our Ten Guiding Principles.
The membership wants the facts. Sometimes the news is good, but once it awhile it is not. In either event, you deserve the truth, not sugarcoated chatter. I will continue to tell it like it is.
At the recent International Convention and Longshore Caucus I cast votes that I believed were consistent with our International Constitution. I did not look around the room to see if I was taking the “popular” position. My votes were intended to uphold the working class heritage of our great Union. As your I.E.B. representative I will continue taking principled positions.
Be sure to vote. Vote for Rich Austin, Jr. for I.E.B. Thanks
“An Injury to One is an Injury to All”
MAX VEKICH, LOCAL 52
No statement submitted
CONRAD SPELL, LOCAL 23
No statement submitted
