ILWU-PCPA 56th Annual Convention meets in San Francisco
The ILWU-Pacific Coast Pensioners (PCPA) held their annual convention in September at the Westin Hotel in San Francisco. The event featured distinguished speakers, scenic outings, and perfect weather. The convention
began at Local 10’s hall on Sunday night. A Local 10 member prepared a delicious
barbecue feast for everyone, and ILWU retiree John Fisher and his band performed as delegates and guests enjoyed a
tasty meal.
On Monday, the convention heard from ILWU International President Emeritus Willie Adams, who welcomed all delegates and guests to San Francisco. Adams
discussed his recent retirement and delivered an inspiring speech about the vital role pensioners play in the ILWU.|
They also heard from Local 10 member and Oakland Port Commissioner Derrick Muhammad. He stressed the importance of having a voice not only on harbor commissions but also on our city councils. Delegates and guests enjoyed a fantastic harbor cruise of San Francisco and Oakland aboard a Red & White Fleet vessel operated by IBU members. The evening concluded with a reception
hosted by the ILWU Credit Union, which was quite a spread, with food,
drinks, and lots of camaraderie and stories swapped by old friends.
Tuesday was a full day of work. The morning speaker was Max Vekich, an ILWU retiree from Local 52 in Seattle, now serving on the Federal Maritime Commission. Vekich shared updates on developments in Washington, D.C., including outcomes of recently passed legislation regarding U.S. shipping and the administration’s efforts to build more American ships manned by American crews.
Next, delegates heard from ILWU Coast Benefit Specialist\ John Castanho, along with all the ILWU Area Welfare directors and the Benefit Plan staff, who shared important information about our plan’s billing issues and chiropractic benefits. On the pension front, it was reported that the Longshore Division pension plan is doing very well.
After lunch, delegates heard from ILWU International President Bobby Olvera, Jr. President Olvera spoke about his mom, an ILWU widow collecting an ILWU pension, and the direction the ILWU is headed. The International Executive Board has been structured to be more active, with different committees set up to tackle current union challenges. Tuesday night was the banquet, featuring a beautiful dinner and dancing to John Fisher’s band.
The convention paid tribute to past ILWU-PCPA Vice President Lawrence Thibeaux, a former President of Local 10 and an icon within the ILWU, who passed away unexpectedly while planning the convention. On Wednesday, Greg Mitre swore in the new officers of the PCPA, along with the Executive Board and all elected representatives.
“I want to thank the two remaining officers from Southern California, Yolanda Nuhi, recording secretary, and Chris Gordon, Treasurer, for their tireless work with me over the past 10 years. I also want to congratulate our new PCPA President, John Miken from Portland, Oregon, and our new PCPA Vice President, Rodney Rhymes from Tacoma, Washington. Additionally, I thank everyone who attended the convention; we had a great turnout of ILWU retirees from Canada, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California,” Mitre said.
Next year, the PCPA Convention will be held in Seattle, WA.
– Greg Mitre