TO: All ILWU Locals, regions and affiliates
FROM: ILWU International President Jim Spinosa
SUBJECT: Charleston 5 International Day of Action
DATE: November 6, 2001
Despite the large and growing movement demanding the felony charges against the Charleston Five be dropped, the case is going to court. The first day of the trial, Wednesday, November 14, will trigger the International Day of Action. I am asking all ILWU members to help put on and participate in demonstrations in support of the Charleston Five in your local areas along with your local Central Labor Councils, state Federations of Labor and other community and civil rights groups. These actions have the official support of the AFL-CIO.
While we remain optimistic about prevailing in court, it is essential that the entire labor movement, and especially longshore workers, stand up for our right to protest without fear of arrest and prosecution. We must take these demonstrations seriously and make them a priority over all other activities that day.
