Based on the May ILWU Longshore Caucus resolution, a defense committee called the Labor Committee In Defense of the Charleston Longshore Workers was formed in the Bay Area. We’re organizing for an international day of action and helping to raise money for the legal defense of the Charleston longshore and clerk locals. 5 members face criminal charges from the state of South Carolina for simply picketing against a scab stevedore outfit, W. S. I. , which was in cahoots with international shipowner Nordana. W. S. I. is also suing the two ILA locals. If Charleston longshore workers don’t have the right to picket and defend their jobs and jurisdiction, then no port is safe from joint attacks by the government and maritime companies. AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL!
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney views this as a test for the U. S. labor movement in the so-called “right-to-work” South and is lending his support across the country to the defense campaign. Victimization of our longshore brothers by South Carolina Dixiecrats and Republicans must be met with solidarity actions.
Participating in the last Northern California defense committee meeting were members of Local 10, Local 34, Local 54 (Stockton), Inlandboatmen’s Union (IBU). Dispatcher editor, Steve Stallone who is coordinating the defense campaign for ILWU International President Jim Spinosa gave an update. We call on other locals to get on board this critical longshore struggle and organize a defense committee in your port.
Our next meeting will be Thursday January 4 at 7 PM in Local 10’s Henry Schmidt room. Northern California ILWU members are encouraged to attend.
In solidarity
Jack Heyman #8780
