SAN PEDRO — Members of ILWU Locals 13, 63 and 94 welcomed the USNS Mercy Friday, working together to tie up the ship as it docked in the Port of Los Angeles.
The Mercy was escorted by two Foss Maritime tugs crewed by members of the Inlandboatmen’s Union, the maritime division of the ILWU.The naval hospital ship will help lift the burden on local hospitals and medical facilities that need to focus their resources on patients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 800 medical professionals and support members will staff the 1,000-bed ship.
“ILWU longshoremen, mechanics, marine clerks and foremen are heroes on the front line of the supply chain. Moving the economy, moving cargo; we are open for business. The assistance the ILWU provided in Los Angeles is just one example of how ILWU members are aiding in the efforts to stop the spread of Covid- 19,” said ILWU International President Willie Adams.
“At a time when many Californians are being advised to stay at home, ILWU members are at work, moving critically needed medical supplies, personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and household goods to the American markets,” said ILWU Local 13 President Ray Familathe.
“ILWU members are showing up day in and day out to keep the economy robust and our supply chains strong,” said ILWU Local 63 President Mike Podue. “And today, they played a role in making sure Angelenos have the medical care they need.”
“We are incredibly proud that our members were a part of welcoming USNS Mercy to Los Angeles and supporting our health care professionals while they care for the families of our local communities and all of Los Angeles County,” said Danny Miranda, president of Local 94.
ILWU Locals 13, 63 and 94 have worked closely with their partners at PMA, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and all relevant government health agencies to protect members during the COVID-19 outbreak. This work has included limiting the number of people gathered in the dispatch halls, securing a vendor to clean the Longshore and Casual halls twice a day, and installing hand sanitizer stations throughout both locations.