Background:
Port of Seattle Privatization (Myles Sundin 15 Aug 2001)
More comments on Seattle crane privatization (17-20 Aug 2001)
Comments on Seattle crane privatization (16-17 Aug 2001)
Privatization and union busting are being carried out on the waterfront by the Port of Seattle and SSA, one of the largest members of the PMA. Both the mechanics’ and electricians’ unions are being asked to take massive concessions or get privatized. The Port of Seattle says it needs to cut costs. Gee, what employer doesn’t say this?
There is another side to this story that isn’t well known; the treacherous covert role of SSA in asking the Port of Seattle to privatize crane maintenance. There are a number documents in existence that show this. One from 1995, asking the Port to consider turning over crane maintenance to SSA and another threatening reprisals against two other PMA members if they didn’t go along with this arrangement. The two companies were said to be happy with the Port of Seattle doing crane maintenance.
Jack Block, a steady SSA foreman, also lined with the union busting position of the rest of the Port commissioners saying we have to cut costs. Actually, the Port is trying to privatize a lot of it’s operations which amounts turning over public property to private employers who then get rid of unions or hire unions with sub standard contracts. Three notable of examples of privatization are the Mersyside longshoremen in Liverpool who lost their Jobs, the Charleston example which was successfully fought, and the Patrick stevedore battle in Australia which was won because of massive public support with many workers coming down to man barricades and picket lines.
What are we going to do about SSA and the Port of Seattle trying to get rid of our union brothers and sisters on the waterfront? The reason the 1934 ILWU Strike was successful was due to the overwhelming support of the working class. The refusal of the Teamsters to move dock cargo, against the wishes of their Leadership, was a significant factor contributing to our victory. We are today because our fellow workers in 1934 strongly believed in the ILWU Pledge “ AN INJURY ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL. ”
The ILWU provided an inspiring example of what solidarity should be with our support to the Charleston 5. We now need to show this same example to the Seattle Port Mechanics and Electricians by joining their struggle for justice. Will the ILWU take a principled position and back this fight for justice?
In Solidarity,
Mark Downs
Local 19
on 8 Nov 2001 Myles Sundin wrote:
Union busting is taking place here in Seattle, carried out by the Port of Seattle. Look at the Ports Crane maintenance union workers, they stood up and refused to raid each others work or take the massive 30% wage, benefits and now their unions are being run off the Seattle waterfront! Yes it is happening here also!
Myles Sundin
