The Coast Longshore Division of the ILWU forms the core of the union and is comprised of 30 locals, divided among longshore workers, clerks and foremen. It was established in 1937, after the historic 1934 General Strike and after voting to disaffiliate from the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA).
The Division is governed by the Longshore Caucus, a representative body of longshore workers, clerks and foremen elected by the membership. Annual meetings of the Longshore Caucus make decisions for the Coast Longshore Division by enumerating local officers' votes. Each local's total number of votes are proportionate to its size. The Coast Committee chairs and administers the Longshore Division Caucus.
The Longshore Caucus is the highest governing body of the Coast Longshore Division. One of its jobs is to meet before contract negotiations and develop a list of contract demands and improvements. The Caucus then elects from among its number a negotiating committee of rank-and-file longshore workers who remain in San Francisco during the course of negotiations. The negotiating committee also includes the International Officers and Coast Committeemen.
