“Disco Joe Randolph” Port of Philadelphia Pa. With twenty plus years in the I.L.A. Still uncertain about my port’s future. The Port of Philadelphia and Port of Wilmington Delaware are in an effort to survive against non-union and other union’s aggressiveness. Unions whose renegade locals threaten to replace the I.L.A. by now unloading ships.
In a effort to help our employers and save our jurisdiction we gave up our sixteen (16) paid holidays a year; for the last five years. Yet, we are still reminded that there are no guarantees. For each port; terms like “do what you have to do” and “local conditions” or “that comes under local issues”; appear to isolate us from New York’s assistance or intervention.
In this one man’s opinion it sounds like “taxation without representation”. I write this not to criticise or complain, but to let others know that “the struggle continues”.
We in the labor movement from other ports are grateful and proud of the I.L.W.U. For your organizing efforts and assistance to other workers around the world. Please keep sending copies of your I.L.W.U.’s newsletter “The Dispatcher” across the country and around the world so others may look to the light.
