Donald Watson May 3, 1929 – March 25, 2015

Donald Watson May 3, 1929 – March 25, 2015

Don Watson was a quiet and determined ILWU activist who spent his life gently but effectively leading progressive organizing efforts in the union he loved. Watson died peacefully at his home in Oakland, CA on March 25. “He was content in the knowledge that he had a...
Longshore members overwhelming ratify new contract by 82%

Longshore members overwhelming ratify new contract by 82%

Longshore workers voted overwhelmingly to ratify the tentative contract agreement reached in February with the Pacific Maritime Association. Members voted by 82 % to approve the new 5-year pact that will expire in 2019. The vote totals were 7,673 “YES” and 1699 “NO.”...
Local 10 leads protest against police brutality

Local 10 leads protest against police brutality

On May 1, 200 ILWU members from Locals 10, 34, 61, 6 and the Inlandboatmen’s Union joined with hundreds of community members to march from the Port of Oakland to Oakland’s City Hall. Their purpose was to protest violent and racist actions by abusive police officers....
Recycling workers celebrate two years of success

Recycling workers celebrate two years of success

Hundreds of Alameda County recycling workers filled the Local 6 union hall on March 1 to celebrate two years of hard work that yielded dramatic improvements in wages, benefits and working conditions –and opened the door to helping new workers organize and join the...