The ILWU Local 10 Drill Team kept in step at a protest against Hornblower Dining Yachts and Cruises by the Inlandboatmen's Union and the International Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP) on August 30, 2006. Photo by Steve Stallone.
Members of Longshore Locals 10 and 34 and the historic ILWU Local 10 Drill Team showed their solidarity with members of the Inlandboatmen's Union (IBU) and the International Masters Mates and Pilots (MMP) on August 30 at a rally protesting unfair practices by Hornblower Dining Yachts and Alcatraz Cruises, the newly-contracted operator of ferryboat services to Alcatraz National Park, a popular tourist destination in San Francisco Bay.
More than 50 rank-and-file members of the IBU, MMP and ILWU carried picket signs reading "Hornblower: Don't Rock the Boats to Alcatraz. Keep Current Crews Working," while speakers including ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer William Adams, Local 10 President Dave Gonzales and IBU Regional Director Marina Secchitano denounced Hornblower for fighting legal requirements to pay its ferry workers prevailing wages, ignoring calls by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and the City Board of Supervisors and demands by community groups and local business owners at Fisherman's Wharf and the piers frequented by tourists.
ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer William Adams speaks at the IBU's rally against Hornblower. Photo by John Showalter.
The IBU and the San Francisco Labor Council's Executive Committee announced at the rally that the California State Labor Federation has approved their request to place Hornblower Dining Yachts and Alcatraz Cruises on a statewide "Do Not Patronize" list and that they and other unions will be seeking the support of businesses and the general public in making the boycott effective both locally and coastwise in areas like San Diego, where the company also operates.
A press release issued the day of the rally and letters from numerous local, state and federal elected officials voice support for the union ferryboat operators and describe the allegations against Hornblower. The ILWU Longshore Division Caucus also issued a resolution of solidarity with IBU/MMP at its meeting in May.
