by admin | Feb 4, 2015 | In the News
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The ILWU is trying to keep dock employers at the negotiating table to finish an agreement that is “extremely close.” “We’re this close,” said ILWU President Robert McEllrath, who held up two fingers in a gesture indicating how close the parties are...
by admin | Jan 13, 2015 | In the News
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – In contract negotiations this afternoon, officials from the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) told a federal mediator and longshore negotiators that West Coast ports have reached a point where there is little space available for additional import...
by admin | Jan 2, 2015 | December 2014 Dispatcher, Remembering Our History
A growing number of social justice activists are coming to admire and respect the contributions made by Carlos Bulosan, despite the fact that many are still unaware of the contributions from this remarkable man and important union leader who excelled as a gifted...
by admin | Jan 2, 2015 | December 2014 Dispatcher, Solidarity
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...
by admin | Jan 2, 2015 | December 2014 Dispatcher, Featured
For the past several months, Local 12 members and supporters have been picketing whenever non-union barges arrive at the Southport Forest Products dock in North Bend, Oregon – a waterfront employer who’s trying to operate without the ILWU. Machine guns “The weather is...
by admin | Dec 23, 2014 | December 2014 Dispatcher, Featured, Fighting for Good Jobs
When the Coast Longshore Caucus recessed last July, most delegates assumed the contract with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) would be put to bed before Christmas. Instead, delegates who gathered in San Francisco on December 15 heard a sobering report from ILWU...
by admin | Nov 25, 2014 | November 2014 Dispatcher
Low voter turnout in the November 4 election allowed anti-union politicians to gain control of the U.S. Senate, and defeat many union friendly candidates across the country. Along the West Coast, ILWU members lost some friends – but also scored some gains that could...
by admin | Nov 25, 2014 | Featured, Helping Our Community, November 2014 Dispatcher
On November 25th Southern California ILWU members and their families distributed 1,500 Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. With each basket filled enough food to feed 10 people, an estimated 15,000 people this year were fed as a result of the ILWU’s Feed the...
by admin | Nov 23, 2014 | November 2014 Dispatcher
As this issue of The Dispatcher was going to press in late November, longshore contract talks continued to be productive through the Thanksgiving holiday and were scheduled to immediately resume an intensive schedule in December. One issue impacting the talks is port...
by admin | Nov 13, 2014 | Featured, Fighting for Good Jobs, October 2014, Uncategorized
During the final days of October, two groups of Northern California recycling workers decided that they would no longer tolerate indignities and discrimination from their employers. One group voted overwhelmingly to join the ILWU. Another group – already members of...