In order for the “International Day of Action” in support of the Charleston 5, on the first day of the trial, to be effective, it will be necessary for Longshore Division of the ILWU, to be in complete support of this action.
I agree with the sentiments of several of you who have expressed opinions that this action should be more widespread. As things stand now, the ball is pretty much being carried by Longshore Div. and several ILA locals in the southern US.
Whether or not other unions get on board, by the first day of the trial, it lays the groundwork for future actions. It sets an example. It can get other workers thinking,“if longshoremen can shut down production over this and other issues, why can’t we?”
Good question. Someone in a previous mailing suggested getting our own International President, James Spinosa, to motivate AFL-CIO President John Sweeney to call a one day general strike. It’s a good suggestion.
The problem is, this country, unlike others has never had a national general strike. There have been local ones, most notably, Seattle in 1919, and San Francisco in 1934. It will require one hell of an educational campaign and reaching out to other workers.
If Sweeney won’t go that far, there is no reason why a mysterious epidemic couldn’t hit that day, with an unprecedented number of workers aroung the country calling in sick, or taking a vacation day at that time. Regardless of what happens, rather then people staying home, in each city we should all have a rally, at the port, or perhaps at the Federal Bldg in cities that have one, or at some other agreed upon location.
The importance of job actions, even if limited to Longshore Division of this union and several ILA locals, shouldn’t be underestimated. If we don’t have other unions on board for a work stoppage at this time, we can begin organizing for such an event, in case of an unfavorable verdict in the trial of the Charleston 5.
It would be a good time to ask the question, if we can shut down production over this issue, why not do the same, with other issues, such as demanding card check-off for union recognition, and the outlawing of the use of scabs? This opens up all sorts of possibilities.
VICTORY TO THE CHARLESTON 5
Ken Morgan, ILWU Local 6
