by Peter Hart

On Tuesday, September 11 a unique labor gathering was held in Vancouver, British Columbia when a group of union leaders representing the ferry and towboat industry on the West Coast of Canada and the U.S. met to get acquainted and explore how they could help each other in their respective fights.

Attending this first caucus were Jackie Miller, President of the BC Ferrys and Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU); Ed Koloszko, President of Local 11 BCFMWU; Michael Jordon, ILWU Local 400; Terry Engler President ILWU Local 400 (host); Greg Landvik-ILWU Local 400; Kevin Hall, Business Agent BCFMWU; Richard Goodo, 1st Vice President BCFMWU; David Badior, Ships Officer Component BCFMWU; Darryl Tseu, IBU Alaska Regional Director; Dennis Conklin, IBU Puget Sound Regional Director; and Alan Coté, IBU National President.

During a free and open discussion, they discovered that they are facing many common problems in the maritime industry. Several issues were addressed including federal and corporate attacks on the Jones Act and its counterpart in Canada known as the Cabotage Laws. Other topics included the shortages of qualified labor, subcontracting of jobs, stricter drug and alcohol testing policies, increased security, and the ever present threat of privatization and its many manifestations in the public sector. This newly formed coalition brainstormed a priority list and began the conversation of how to support each other in the months ahead.

Organized by Alan Coté, President of the Inlandboatmen’s Union (IBU), this initial meeting brought together an impressive group of representatives from the ferry and towboat industries to discuss a multitude of concerns. Whatever the nature of the issue, whether it be local or national politics, local or national economics, or a cultural or regional disagreement, the hope is that this coalition of labor from Alaska to eventually Hawaii, will strive to prevent problems from occurring and work together on those that can’t be foreseen. This caucus will become a regular event, meeting once or twice a year or more if necessary, and alternate between the U.S. and Canada.

With a new and improved dialog, the participants hope to become more aware of the threats to the membership. They hope to become better prepared to respond to these threats and prevent the seeds of anti-unionism from spreading.  As difficult as it is to maintain and improve upon union contracts, it’s far easier in a region that understands the value of organized labor.  The climb for union protections and benefits is far steeper when a federal or regional government is openly hostile to the idea of union labor. Becoming aware of what problems the different ferry and towboat labor groups have in common should make it easier to unite in this shared struggle.

With a more unified front, the coalition hopes to amplify its power, to improve labor conditions throughout the maritime industry. When an issue arises on the west coast this new coalition can respond internationally by using all the assets in its collective power to obtain results. Getting out in front of an issue before it becomes an expensive problem will save member resources. Whether it’s through their relationships with the ITF or their collective political influence in Juneau, Victoria, Olympia, Ottawa, or Washington, D.C., the coalition will share their political tools along with their improved knowledge of each others needs to better labor’s cause.