Former ILWU Local 52 member Max Vekich sworn in as Federal Maritime Commissioner
The FMC is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating agreements between American exporters and the shipping companies that carry their goods to ensure they are fair and competitive.
Decades of experience
Commissioner Vekich brings more than four decades of experience as a longshore worker in Grays Harbor and Seattle. He also served as President of ILWU Locals 24 and 52, has served on the ILWU’s International Executive Board, and was the Chair of the Coast Longshore Legislative Committee. His long career in the maritime industry has given him first-hand knowledge and experience about the challenges faced by the maritime and intermodal transportation system.
Vekich also served four consecutive terms in Washington State’s House of Representatives from 1983-1991, where was the Chair of three committees: Agriculture, Trade & Economic Development, and Commerce & Labor.
“Max Vekich is the FMC Commissioner that America needs right now. Our ports are a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure and economy, and Mr. Vekich solves problems with domestic benefit in mind,” said ILWU International President Willie Adams. “He has the right mix of industry knowledge, excellent problem-solving abilities, and an internal compass that points to doing right by America’s workers, businesses, consumers, and farmers. We applaud Pres. Biden for making an excellent pick, and the U.S. Senate for their confirmation.” U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation was a champion for Vekich’s appointment.
“I want a Federal Maritime Commission that looks at increasing competition and making sure that we get products to people who need them,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Somebody who has served on the docks for much of his life is certainly a nominee that understands what it takes to be making important decisions on this activity. In light of many issues, COVID challenges, and congestion, I think his nomination is pivotal to making sure that we have the right decision making in place.”
Warm welcome
FMC Chairman Daniel Maffei welcomed Commissioner Vekich. “CommissionerVekich assumes office when his lifelong experience working on the waterfront will be especially beneficial. He understands port and supply chain issues from the perspective of a worker on the frontlines of making cargo move. I am confident he will have many important contributions to make to the work of the Federal Maritime Commission and I am happy to welcome him as a colleague,” said Maffei.
“Since my first day on the waterfront, my work ethic has always been to keep cargo moving, and that will be my priority in executing my duties as a Commissioner,” said Vekich after being sworn in. “Keeping cargo moving is the mindset and emphasis needed to identify and address port and supply chain issues. I look forward to getting to work and am humbled at the opportunity to serve.”
Deep roots
In an interview with the Dispatcher, Commissioner Vekich described his deep roots in the maritime industry.
“My family has been deeply involved with the ILWU for generations. My dad, Max Vekich, Sr. was a dispatcher in Aberdeen, WA from 1953 on and had the distinction of being the longest office holder of a local for many years,” Vekich said. “He got into the industry because of Harry Bridges. They met when Bridges was organizing for the CIO and my dad was a sawmill worker. I started with a great influence. My dad was always a Bridges’ man, and I came from Aberdeen which was a Bridges’ local. That’s a heck of a good start in life on the docks.”
Commissioner Vekich described his strong commitment to public service and ensuring that government works for the public good. “At the end of my political career in the legislature, there were some people that ran against the idea of government,” Vekich said. “Then, after they got elected, they did their best to sabotage government from the inside. Then they would say, ‘See, the government doesn’t work.’ I think that’s such a cynical and un-American approach. I’m not one of those guys. As public servants, we are here to do a job. The public pays us and we’re going to work for them. That was how I felt before and it’s a mindset that I never lost. It’s a privilege to work with the public. That hit home for me again when I swore my oath of office with FMC. It reminded me how proud I am to serve the public and to serve my country.”
He said when the supply chain crisis began to emerge, he wrote a letter to Pres. Biden expressing interest in the FMC position with the encouragement of ILWU President Willie Adams.
“Even though it was time for me to retire, I thought maybe I ought to step up and volunteer to help do what I can and to bring a workers’ point of view to the supply chain crisis,” Vekich said. “I hope more ILWU members and more union members in general get involved in government at whatever level they can. We don’t get enough workers’ perspectives and voices in these decision-making bodies. Workers can bring practical experience and knowledge to commission boards, state legislatures, and Congress.”
Celebrating new beginnings
On February 24th, a retirement celebration was held at The Hall at Fauntleroy in Seattle. The event was attended by Max’s friends, family, ILWU members, and pensioners, local and national elected officials, including Senator Maria Cantwell. Coast Committeeman Cam Williams attended on behalf of the ILWU. The small gathering of about 50 people came together to celebrate Max’s many contributions to the ILWU during his long career and to wish him well as he moves on the serve the country as FMC Commissioner.
“Max has taught me a lot. He’s been a mentor and I’m happy for his retirement, and his next adventure,”said Local 19 member Dan McKisson who succeeded Max as Chair of the Longshore Division’s Legislative Committee.
Making history
Sen. Cantwell spoke at the event and said that Max’s appointment was historic.
“The Federal Maritime Commission has probably been around at some form or another for 100 years. This is only the second time in the history of the organization that there will be a labor commissioner and the first time there will be a member who was a member of the ILWU.”