ILWU’s International Executive Board met April 7-8 in San Francisco where they approved a $10,000 donation for earthquake victims in Japan. Additional contributions of $10,000 came from the ILWU Longshore Division along with a generous $15,000 contribution from Hawaii’s Local 142, plus another $2500 from Hawaii’s Longshore Division, for a grand total of $37,500. The Board also resolved to support workers at Powell’s Books in Portland who belong to ILWU Local 5. The contract covering employees at the world’s largest independent bookstore expires in September. The recession and changes in the book industry resulted in layoffs earlier this year. Buying your books via Powell’s online will generate a 7.5% donation to help displaced workers – but only if you start at the union website to shop: www.ilwulocal5.com
