An election by secret ballot is being conducted by mail to determine the selection of ILWU Titled Officers, International Executive Board members, and, for Longshore Division locals only, Coast Committeemen. The mail ballot procedure is the only method being used for voting in this election. The election is being conducted pursuant to the ILWU Election Rules and Procedures adopted at the April, 1994 Convention and as subsequently amended. No later than Friday, June 30, 2006 ballot packets will have been mailed out to all ILWU members listed on the Voter Eligibility List.
If, for any reason you do not receive in the mail a ballot packet by Monday, July 10, 2006 and if you believe you are an ILWU member who is eligible to vote in this election, you can obtain a ballot packet by personally calling Election Services Corporation, the outside agency assisting in this election, at 1-800-864-1263. Since most ILWU members should receive their ballot packet from the mailing, telephone calls to Election Services Corporation will not be accepted until after July 9, 2006. A ballot packet can only be obtained from Election Services Corporation and not from the ILWU, the ILWU Election Procedures Committee, the ILWU locals and affiliates, or any of their officers and representatives.
Please also note that all voters must mail back their ballots in sufficient time so that their ballots arrive at the designated post office box in Oakland, California, no later than 9:00AM PST, August 14, 2006. Late received ballots will not be counted under any circumstances.
To prevent ineligible persons from voting, please note that any individual who requests a ballot packet and who is not on the Voter Eligibility List will be sent a challenged ballot for voting. All challenged ballots will be subject to possible later investigation as to the voter’s eligibility.
Also, the ballot packets are electronically coded to prevent anyone from having more than one ballot counted. If a voter mails in more than one ballot, the ballot with the latest postmark or receipt stamp will be counted. and the prior one(s) will be voided. However, where it is not possible to determine the latest postmark or receipt stamp, all ballots cast by the same voter will be voided.
Any ILWU member who has a question about the election may call the ILWU Election Procedures Committee at 1-415-775-0533 to leave a voice mail message. If you call before 9:00 a.m., after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, dial extension 150 during the answering machine message to be connected to voicemail.
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
(vote for one)
ROBERT "BIG BOB" McELLRATH, LOCAL 4
Leadership at the International level means vision, discipline, organization, and most of all, accountability. Leadership means knowing the goals of the rank and file, understanding the contract and representing the Union’s position to the employers. Leadership at the International level means protecting all divisions of the ILWU and enforcing all of our contractual rights and benefits. It means helping to clarify the direction of the Longshore industry. With an energized, focused and united workforce, our ILWU will continue strongly into the future.
As the Vice President of the ILWU International, my job was to serve not only as Co-Chair of the Coast Labor Relations for Longshore, but to oversee the operations of the organizing department. In the last six years I cut unnecessary items from the organizing budget which increased the funds available, allowing for more aggressive organizing programs to be taken on such as Blue Diamond, Oxbow and Kaiser Permanente Guards. Organizing inland and around our ports must continue to be a priority for our future.
Since 1934 the ILWU has had five Presidents and I have served as an Officer under three of the five. I served one year on the Coast Committee in 1993-1994, and on the Coast Committee from 1997-2000. I was then elected as International Vice President for two terms from 2000-2003, and 2003-2006
In 1993 and 1996 I negotiated the Master Longshore Agreement as Columbia River Representative, and I was Co-Chair on the 1999 and 2002 Longshore Contract negotiations. I was Chairman of the Pacific Northwest Shipboard Grain negotiations and Chairman of the in-House Grain negotiations. I also negotiated the All-Alaska Longshore Contract and the Local #5 Powell’s Bookstore contract.
After 37 years on the waterfront, I offer my energy and willingness for hard work to meet the challenges of our future. I must admit, it is not always an easy path, but I consider it a privilege to be able to spend my working life continuing the work of our founders and hard-working brothers and sisters. I am fortunate to have earned your confidence, giving me the ability to expend my daily energies on something I believe so strongly in—our ILWU.
My goal is to continue and maintain two-way communications with all the Locals. I intend to report openly and make every effort to understand each Division’s concerns. I intend to work closely with the other Titled Officers, whether on the mainland or in Hawaii, and to maintain strong leadership with honesty, integrity and with an intense commitment to the ILWU.
I repeat what I have said before: I believe we must face the future as united as we were when we earned our place in Labor History. We must forge ahead with a common agenda that will allow us to prosper through the inevitable changes that will face our industries. We cannot change what happened yesterday, but united, we can change what happens tomorrow. “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, HAWAII
(vote for one)
WESLEY FURTADO, LOCAL 142
Second generation Longshoreman. Dedicated over 20 years to serving our union. Rank-and-file member and a lead organizer, shop steward, unit officer, and Longshore negotiating committee member. Elected as Business Agent, then appointed as an International Representative in Hawaii. Elected as the International Vice President of the Hawaii Region in 2000.
Years of supporting and leading many organizing campaigns that have added new members to the ranks of our union in various industries. Spokesperson for many contract negotiations, including first contracts for newly organized members and for contract renewals for existing union members. Also supported membership mobilizations for contract negotiations in different industrial groupings.
Attend Longshore caucuses, bargaining sessions, and meetings to increase understanding of new technology and industry standards. Participated in past negotiations for Hawaii Longshore and satellite unit contracts.
Participated in lobbying for support for Longshore negotiations, Agriculture industry issues, Tourism industry issues, and issues concerning General Trades in both Washington D.C. and in Hawaii. Staff organizers are encouraged to participate in Local 142 and Division political action efforts whenever possible. Looking forward, we need to focus on important political races to strengthen our jurisdiction.
The International works with the IBU-Hawaii leadership in their negotiations to improve working conditions and benefits. We are currently working on organizing campaigns to help build IBU membership in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Region Organizing Department works along with Local 142 and Divisions. Hawaii Region organized new members into our union in the last three years. To increase the effectiveness of organizing efforts the International, Local 142, and Divisions, negotiate employer neutrality and card-check agreements to support strategic organizing.
In 2005, we negotiated the first Health & Welfare Trust Fund agreement for our members in the Tourism industry. This Trust Fund will help control the rising cost of health care insurance premiums.
The International supports training for union members and leadership using national resources. In Hawaii, the International has supported education and training for union members pertaining to drug awareness and treatment. The International has access to resources on the national level and internationally. The International communicates directly with other National or International unions and organizations who share common interests with our union members in Longshore, Agriculture, Tourism, and General Trades groupings.
I’d like to thank my fellow union brothers and sisters for their support and the opportunity to serve as International Vice President - Hawaii. I ask for your continued vote of support so I can continue to serve the membership.
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
(vote for one)
WILLIAM E. ADAMS, LOCAL 23
It has been my privilege and high honor to have served the membership of this great union for the last three years. My work is still not complete. I like to get quiet and attack through my work and I am more committed now than ever.
My varied ILWU experience includes: Longshore Caucus delegate for seven years; three-time Convention delegate (2000, 2003 and 2006); Chairman of the Coast Jurisdiction Committee; a member of the Coast Legislative Action Committee serving in Washington, D.C.; a member of the International Executive Board and IEB Trustee; and for the last three years, International Secretary-Treasurer.
On behalf of the union, I have traveled to Australia, Brazil, France, Holland, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Cuba and Vietnam, carrying the proud banner and reputation of the ILWU.
I have rolled up my sleeves, and have worked with all divisions of our union. I have learned so much from all the divisions of our union. I have built some great relationships with key Senators and Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. and the next three years I will work even harder so we have even more friends and access.
I am really looking forward to our education programs the next three years, to reach even more of our members and to strike a chord with our new members so they get the fire. I really feel in the next three years organizing is going to really kick into full gear with a lot of energy, passion and bringing new members into our family.
And yes, the International has been there backing up the needs of any local or division, whenever we have been called. And yes, we have stepped up our game in organizing, political action, public relations, education and in the international arena.
I know that the next three years are going to be exciting times. The new leadership is very poised and ready for our many challenges ahead. And yes, we work within our budget, we work for our members. We will give them our best and then some.
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, MAINLAND
(vote for one)
JOSEPH R. RADISICH, LOCAL 13
Brothers and Sisters of the ILWU:
My name is Joe Radisich and I’m running for the position of International Vice President, Mainland of the ILWU. I am a 21-year member of the ILWU working mostly out of Local 13 with two years as a foreman in Local 94. I have served Local 13 over the past 14 ears in various capacities including Executive Board, Caucus delegate, business agent and vice president.
Over the past eight years I have helped develop the Local 13 Political Action Committee and PAC fund. I have been involved in many political campaigns in Southern California and have tirelessly pushed the ILWU agenda in the political arena. I am the President of the Southern California District Council and have represented Local 13 at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor for the past eight years.
In the 2002 longshore contract negotiations I served as the coordinator of Public Relations and helped formulate a game plan to fight PMA’s attacks against the ILWU. In 2005 I was appointed by the mayor of Los Angeles to serve as one of five commissioners on the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners. I graduated from UCLA in 1991.
I am running for this position because I believe I have the experience and connections to help the ILWU move forward in the future. My overall vision for the union is to implement strategies that are proactive, strategies that will give us our best chance for achieving good contracts and increasing our ranks.
These proactive activities include increasing our political activities, organizing and running campaigns such as the union’s “Saving Lives” environmental campaign.
On the political action front, more needs to be done to raise money. I will make this a major priority, as well as making sure our legislative necessities are met.
Organizing will also be a priority. Working with organizer Peter Olney, the convention and caucus haved mandated a push inland to organize the warehouses that are part of the logisitics chain. I believe I can be helpful calling on the strong labor and political support in Southern California. This will be a long and probably costly task because the organizing department needs more resources.
Finally, the union learned valuable lessons in the 2002 contract that PR, community relations and labor support are critical in winning contracts. This not only applies to longshore, but to all sectors of the ILWU. Championing cleaner ports is one strategy of doing this. Also, in an era of globalization, taking our fight and programs internationally will be critical.
If you think these types of programs are important and your vision for this union is to be proactive and not reactive, I would be honored to have your vote.
CALIFORNIA COAST COMMITTEEMAN
(vote for one)
RAY ORTIZ, JR., LOCAL 13
Brothers and Sisters of the ILWU, a solidarity greeting!
As a proud second-generation longshoreman, I have seen the waterfront evolve from the days of break bulk to today’s world of containerization. I have been a member of the ILWU since 1969 and a member of Local 13 for nearly four decades. Serving the Union has always been my greatest passion. I have served on the Southern California District Council and in the following Local 13 leadership positions: Executive Board; Trial Committee; Chairman of the Grievance Committee; Registration Committee; Labor Relations Committee; Night Business Agent; and Delegate to the Longshore Division Caucus. With that solid foundation, I served as your California Coast Committeeman for 3 terms: 1997-2000, 2000-2003, and 2003 to the present. In that position, I work to protect your interests through Coast Labor Relations Committee meetings and the processing of all grievances and appeals, including Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accommodation requests, Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA) military credit requests, registration, Coast arbitrations, participation on the Coast Benefits Subcommittee, and as Trustee of the Pension and Welfare Plans. I now humbly seek your support to represent the Longshore Division as your California Coast Committeeman for a 4th term.
As the 2008 contract negotiations approach, my experience on the 1999 and 2002 contract negotiating committees will prove invaluable. The employers will undoubtedly continue their efforts to reduce our Longshore Division jurisdiction, weaken our Dispatch Halls, and reduce our Pension and Health and Welfare benefits in the name of corporate profits. Education of our rank-and-file, especially in the ILWU history and traditions, the Longshore Contract, the Safety Code, and Grievance and Arbitration procedures will become increasingly vital. And because the Federal government, with Employer-support, continues to interfere in our Contract and labor relations, as we experienced during the 2002 Contract and currently with the screening of our workers against a “terrorist watch list” and government-mandated TWIC cards with criminal background checks, developing “our outside game” in the political and public relations arenas is absolutely critical now, and forever. Finally, we must continue to strengthen our bonds with international labor unions in this global economy. I appreciate your continued support as we move together to ensure success for the ILWU and Longshore Division.
Vote for Ray Ortiz, Jr. for California Coast Committeeman. Thank you.
NORTHWEST COAST COMMITTEEMAN
(vote for one)
DUANE JOHNSON, LOCAL 51
My name is Duane Johnson and I am a candidate for Northwest Coast Committeeman.
I am a second-generation Longshoreman from Local 51, Port Gamble. My father worked over forty years out of Port Gamble and held many Local Union offices including President and Delegate over his long career. My Longshore career started in 1976: I worked as a casual for four years before achieving “B” registration in 1980. Even as a limited registered person I was very proactive in learning the ways of our local, our contract, our industry and our Union. I was elevated to “A” status in 1986. The following year I was elected to our Labor Relations Committee. Since that time I have held several different and concurrent positions within our Local, our Area and our Division.
The following is a list of those positions:
• Local 51 Labor Relations Committee 1987-present.
• Dispatcher / Business Agent 1990-1992 and 1994 to present.
• Secretary Treasurer 1999-present.
• Convention Delegate since 1994.
• Caucus Delegate for twelve years. As a Delegate I have worked on different committees. I especially enjoyed being on the Cancelled Pension Years Committee and the Budget Committee.
• Joint Area LRC small ports representative for four years.
• Secretary of Area LRC for two years.
• Alternate negotiator for Puget Sound small ports ; 1996, 1999 and 2002
• Volunteered for the AFL-CIO COPE campaign in 2002 (Kansas City, Missouri).
• Participated in Education Seminars and Secretary Conferences. The protection and preservation of my Local and the ILWU has always been a high priority of mine. This has been the main factor in my deciding to run for, or accept any position. Through the years I have learned that the strength of the Division lies in the unity of all locals, both large and small.
Being from a small local might be a concern to some. I see it as an advantage. It has given me not just an intimate knowledge of the trials and tribulations of a small port, but has allowed me to travel to many ports. Working from Bellingham, WA to Coos Bay, OR has taught me a great deal about the operations of our large and small ports, as well as the diverse wants and needs of our varied membership. Working extensively in Seattle and Tacoma, plus quite a bit in Portland has given me a good understanding of many different container and yard operations. My time on the JALRC and as a Delegate has given me an insight into the workings of our major locals, and Coast operations.
The Waterfront has been my livelihood for twenty seven years; this Union has been my life. If given the honor to serve, I will work diligently and honestly on the behalf of the ILWU, the Longshore Division, our pensioners and their survivors.
Respectfully submitted,
Duane R. Johnson, 68065
LEAL "LEO" SUNDET, LOCAL 8Brothers and Sisters, I have the privilege of being nominated for Coast Committeeman, Northwest. In a time when our Union is being challenged on multiple fronts, I ask that you carefully consider adding me to the Coast Committee Team that will take you into 2008 bargaining and beyond.
The Coast Committee is a team. I bring a strength that would add utility and, as a result, make the Coast Committee more formable in advancing the Union’s interests.
I have been a registered longshoreman for nearly 18 years, and have been active in the politics of our Union the entire time. As a “B” man in Local 53, members elected me Secretary/Treasurer. I also served as the Secretary, and then Chairman, of the Area LRC. After transferring to Local 8, I continued as Area Chairman and served multiple terms as LRC/ Relief Business Agent. I am a member of the District Council and am active in Local politics. I am currently serving my second term as Local 8’s President.
I am an Executive Board member of the Oregon AFL-CIO and a member of the Area Maritime Security Committee.
In the last 18 years, I have processed hundreds of grievances, arbitrated with regularity, and negotiated multiple local and regional contracts. At times, it seems that is all I do. The Union is a large part of my life. That is what I bring to the table - meat and potato skills and experience in Contract administration.
With me, there is no learning curve. I am up on the issues of today and enjoy professional and personal relationships with the other members of the Coast Committee, the Presidents of the major Locals and the Presidents of many of the smaller Locals.
We survived 2002. The PMA, however, has not stopped with the signing of the 2002 Agreement. They are using Government, the Courts and the Arbitration system to wrestle away our jurisdiction, our dispatch and our culture of work. The PMA is challenging the Union’s control over the point of production.
The most insidious challenge is the introduction of technology designed to assign documentation and cargo flow work around the point of production to non-ILWU workers and technicians who perform the jobs off dock, in different States or other Countries. Work on the dock involving programming, electronic device repair, etc. is assigned to subcontractors or other Unions.
I have the experience, contractual knowledge and arbitration skills necessary not just to defend ourselves, but to work with the other members of the Coast Committee to aggressively take the Contract to PMA. We can develop an offensive strategy using the Contract where PMA is the reactionary.
Vote Experience:
• President, Local 8
• Chairman, Area LRC
• Secretary, Area LRC
• LRC/Relief Business Agent, Local 8
• Executive Board, Local 8
• Secretary/Treasurer, Local 53
• Executive Board, Oregon AFL-CIO
• Coast Technology Committee
• Coast Port Security Committee
• Coast M&R Committee
• Coast Jurisdiction Committee
• Area Maritime Security Committee
VIEW THE REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD CANDIDATES.
