Over 6,000 ILWU members and their families, along with community supporters and elected officials marched and rallied through the streets of San Pedro on January 22. The dramatic showing of unity and solidarity was organized by LA City Councilman Joe Buscaino to protest the employers’ cutting of night-time workers that has compounded severe congestion problems at the ports of LA and Long Beach.
“The PMA’s action in further cutting night shifts at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach is another step closer to a lockout,” Buscaino said in press release before the rally. “It will only serve to worsen the slowdown and congestion at the ports, disrupt the global supply chain, and result in irreparable damage to the reputation of our ports complex.”
Marchers gathered near the Vincent Thomas Bridge on Harbor Boulevard and Beacon. As the sun set, thousands of longshore workers headed down Harbor Boulevard towards the rally point outside the Maritime Museum. The 30-minute march was led by students from Banning High School’s “Mighty Marching Pilots” band. The mood was spirited as parents marched hand-in-hand with their children. Marchers carried glow sticks which gave the event a festive atmosphere.
Hundreds of people carried the same support signs that have been posted by local business owners in shop windows throughout the harbor; they read: “We Support the ILWU and the ILWU Supports Us.”
ILWU International Vice President Ray Familathe, Coast Committeeman Ray Ortiz, Jr. spoke at the rally along with Southern California representatives from the Negotiating Committee and Safety Sub-Committee who all flew down from the contract negotiations in San Francisco to attend the event.
International Vice President Ray
Familathe said the ILWU family would remain strong and united. “The elected Negotiating Committee will continue to battle to get a tentative agreement that we can bring to the rank-and-file for a democratic vote. We need to send a message to the employers that we will last as long as needed to get the fair contract that we deserve.”
Coast Committeeman Ray Ortiz, Jr., said that he has been a part of 12 contract negations during his career. “This contract negotiation has been about endurance. The ILWU will not break and we are going to stay strong and get a fair contract and get this cargo moving.”
ILWU Local 13 President Bobby Olvera, Jr., emphasized the deep roots that ILWU members had in the harbor community, reaching back many decades. “ILWU Locals 13, 63 and 94 have been a bastion of the middle class in San Pedro for over 75 years,” Olvera said. “Long before these multinational corporations came to the port, longshoremen were moving cargo and long after they are gone we are still going to be here moving cargo.”
In his address at the rally, LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino had a message for the employers at the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA): “We say to the PMA, ‘Let the ILWU do their jobs. Let the ILWU clear our ports. Do not stand in their way. Our economy’s is here in the harbor.’”
Local 13 President Olvera thanked the thousands of families and multitude of supporters, including many elected officials, who came to show their support.
“You’re presence here tonight has sent a powerful message that the ILWU and this community are strong, united and willing to fight for what’s right – no matter how long it takes.