The ILWU Negotiating Committee was honored to receive a solidarity visit from leaders of the International Dockworkers Council (IDC) on December 17.
IDC General Coordinator Jordi Aragunde and Office Coordinator Susana Busquets addressed the ILWU Committee and pledged to “mobilize the IDC’s network of
support and organization to help the ILWU win this important contract struggle.” An IDC flag was presented to President McEllrath that was hung in the conference room where negotiations take place. Affiliates of the IDC met in Brussels on December 12 where they adopted a solidarity statement that concluded: “The
IDC will fully support the ILWU’s effort to negotiate a good contract for all West Coast dockworkers and will organize any actions deemed necessary to protect dockworkers’ rights on the West Coast.” ILA Vice-President Ken Riley, who serves as IDC’s East Coast Coordinator, was also part of the delegation that visited San Francisco to offer his support and solidarity.
Solidarity pledges and support have also been received from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), another global union network. Vice-
President (Mainland) Ray Familathe serves as First Vice-Chair of the ITF Dockers Section and recently attended an ITF meeting in London where he provided an
update on the ILWU/PMA negotiations. ITF President Paddy Crumlin attended the ILWU longshore Caucus on February 24, 2014, as did IDC leader Antolín Goya.