The last edition of the Waterfront Worker was so well received it's been decided to do it again. The following article is from the Sept. 14, 1934 Waterfront Worker.
The last two membership meetings were well attended but not much business was transacted, due to Vice-President Johnson doing nothing to maintain order. He jumped from one issue to another like "Eliza's" crossing th ice and the meeting was in a constant uproar.
Our membership meetings are an exact picture of how our present officials carry on day to day business affairs. They sit in the office and do nothing to win better conditions for the men. Neither do they try to build a stronger union. When the men walked off the "H.F.Alexander" and Johnson was asked to settle the grievance, he replied, "You are not putting me on the spot," and Mr. Johnson stayed away from Pier 18. The question however, was settled satisfactorily for the men by Henry Schmidt.
Because the present officials do not give leadership to the membership some of the members think that the fault lies with the men.
It is not the men's fault that the meetings are disorganized and noisy, instead the fault lies with the officials who refuse to do anything, like Lewis who said "no more strikes. I do not want to be a playmate of Tom Mooney's". On the contrary, we need officials who will stand up and fight for the rank and file. We need officials who are not worried about the "poor" shipowners. We want officials who have got the guts to fight despite police terror, attacks by thugs, intimidation, offers of bribes and criticism from the labor fakers.
Brother, the settlement of these important questions rests with you. The question arises whether the ILA, in fact the entire San Francisco labor movement goes forward or falls backward, like the Teamsters, who are ruled by officials like sell out Casey. Brothers all these questions will be settled at the polls Friday and Saturday. Remember the present officials who have refused time and again to give the required leadership to the men and have refused to back the gang steward ystem, saying that it was unnecessary.
Vote for men who have proven themselves 100% union men. Men who have fought night and day for the right of the men to join unions of their own choosing and to win better working conditions for all the workers.
The following article appeared in the 1st edition of the Waterfront Worker. The paper and the longshoremen stuck with brother Mooney and he and Harry Bridges paraded down Market Street in 1938 when he was released. Compare it to the article on the next page and ask yourself how much have things really changed?
The Mooney frame up is again before the public as further evidence of the innocence of one of America's greatest labor leaders is brought forward by the statement of Paul Callicotte. The frame up is closely connected with the 1916 coastal strike of longshoremen which began on June 1st and lasted until July 17th.
In May, following the Seattle Convention of the West Coast Riggers and Stevedores Union notice was given to the shipowners announcing a new wage schedule beginning June 1st. The shipowners refused to meet the demands and the strike was called.
The shipowners managed to utilize the Secretary of Labor telegraph to Madsen, secretary of the West Coast District of the Union demanding a return to work which was turned down by the strikers. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce issued a strike statement claiming "interference with trade". Every other political manoeuvre was resorted to.
The strike was marked by sharp class battles. 38 scabs were beaten up and 6 strikers were injured and 1 killed. The events leading up to the shooting of this longshoreman, Tom Olson, were as follows: 250 scabs were living on a barge. One, by the name of Hawkins, left the docks and was later found beaten up by the police who took him back aboard the barge, where the rest of the scabs became terror stricken. The Chamber of Commerce bitterly complained of this action of the police in not taking him to the hospital. A day or two later, Tom Olson, while on the picket line was shot when 2 scabs came ashore.
The shipowners did everything in their power, particularly through their newspapers, to discredit the longshoremen in the eyes of the general public. Through the Chamber of Commerce, a meeting of what they claimed were 2,000 "business men" organized a committee of "Law and Order", an executive of which was the mayor of San Francisco.
This "Law and Order" committee was well equipped with an operating fund of more than $1,000,000. In the first statement issued by this committee they avowed, "Entered upon its work... free from any class spirit, to arouse in the community a sense of decency and courage, to relieve itself of the hampering influence of class domination" (!!!) How did they put this avowed purpose into effect?
On July 10th, 1916, this "Law and Order" committee was organized. A week later, on July 17th, the longshoremen's strike ended, and on July 22nd, the Preparedness Day bomb exploded on the corner of Stuart and Market Streets, a block from the waterfront, killing and injuring about 50 people. The "Law and Order" committee immediately connected up this outrage with the longshoremen's strike. A meeting, attended by 6,000 citizens, was held in the Auditorium, where the lawlessness of the strikers was brought to the fore as connected with the case. A week later Tom Mooney, an organizer of the Moulders Union, who also contributed to a radical paper called the "Blast", was arrested, together with Warren K. Billings. Both were convicted on the evidence of individuals who have since confessed to perjury. BUT FOR THE MASS PROTEST OF THE WORKING CLASS, MOONEY AND BILLINGS WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE GALLOWS.
The "Law and Order" committee also took advantage of the hysteria that they managed to work up to get a city ordinance passed against picketing. 400 telephone girls, operating in 2 shifts, called up every connection in the entire city and asked them to vote for this ordinance. Three years later however, during the 1919 longshoremen's strike this city ordinance was broken.
The 1916 strike was settled with an increase in wages and cost the shipowners $2,500,000 in exports (their own report and figures).
The case of Tom Mooney is again before the public. Support the campaign.
DEMAND THE RELEASE OF TOM MOONEY!
On October 29th, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the appeal of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the well known black political prisoner on death row. Governor Tom Ridge is set to sign his death warrant. Mumia, who was framed for the killing of a Philadelphia cop in 1981, could be executed shortly. We must not allow this state-sanctioned killing of an innocent man.
As the outstanding actor Ossie Davis said in Berkeley last week, "By mobilizing the progressive forces in this country, we can make a difference. We can save Mumia's life!"
Like Jeronimo Pratt, who was freed from jail last year, Mumia and other Black Panthers and working class militants were targeted by the FBI's COINTELPRO terror operation of the 1970's. But unlike the others, Mumia was a highly respected journalist before he was railroaded to death row. Called the "Voice of the Voiceless", he continues to write the truth, exposing the racist prison system and the repressive nature of global capitalism. For this he has earned the wrath of cops and the government authorities.
In 1995, the Philadelphia police department scandal was front page news across the country: framing up innocent people, corruption, police brutality. In all 300 convictions were thrown out and many innocent victims set free. One of the worse frame-ups was a black grandmother, falsely charged with selling crack. She did 3 years in jail. She eventually won a $1,000,000 law suit against the city of Philadelphia when it was revealed the police had planted drugs in her house. This expose was followed by the news that the Philadelphia District Attorney routinely rigged juries by excluding blacks from being on them.
In Mumia's case the prosecution's chief witness, a prostitute, who was familiar with the Philadelphia police, confessed to giving false testimony to frame Mumia. But this evidence was not allowed in court.
Scientific ballistic tests that would prove Mumia's innocence also were not allowed to be introduced. Witnesses favorable to Mumia were intimidated by police to prevent them from testifying and one that did testify was arrested on the stand on a minor warrant over something that took place many years before.
From day one Mumia's rights were denied him by "Hanging Judge" Sabo. Notorious for sentencing more people to death than any other judge in Pennsylvania, Sabo is an honorary member of the Fraternal Order of Police. The travesties of justice in his court rooom were ongoing and wholly consistent with the Philadelphia police scandal. Judge Sabo has since been forced to step down.
In 1995 Governor Ridge signed Mumia's death warrant. The execution was only stayed by massive international protest. Local 10 member, Larry Wright, was in Rome, Italy, where he attended a labor rally of 50,000 working people calling for justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal. In 1996, at the International Dockers Conference in Paris, France a letter was sent to Governor Ridge demanding freedom for Mumia. Last week in Volta Redonda, Brazil trade unionists turned out en masse for Mumia.
Fighters for labor and the oppressed have often been victimized, framed and/or murdered by the state. From the Haymarket martyrs, who 112 years ago were fighting for the 8 hour day, to militant trade unionists Sacco and Vanzetti, to Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., the death of these fighters for social justice was a terrible setback to the labor movement.
We must not let this happen to Mumia! The power of labor action here and internationally is the only thing the ruling class understands. Government workers, steel workers, mine workers and dock workers, in Pennsylvania and throughout this nation and around the world have the power to free Mumia.
The verdict is in on our brothers and sisters in Local 518 in Canada. The union was fined $10,000, the President $1,000, the Secretary-Treasurer $500, and 18 members of the rank and file $250 to $500. Brother Barry Holloway, President of the local, said "My members have already lost their jobs and they will go to jail rather than pay the fines." The find has kind of ground down to a slow crawl with the company digging in its heels and the union causing them as much grief as possible. Ship delays in Canada and world wide have cost the company over $100,000 thus far. The union is making inroads in organizing the non-union CertiSpec workers who've replaced them.
Two nights ago (11/9) a Candidates Night was held in the Henry Schmidt room. Real democracy is a living, breathing thing and it certainly seems to be coming back to life in this local. Candidates were allowed 5 minutes to speak followed by questions and answers. The discussion and information was open and to the point. Many of the local's shortcomings were brought to light along with positive remedies. Candidate's Night should be a regular event before all union elections and those that put last night's program together should be thanked and congratulated.
The Committee for Harry Bridges Plaza has gotten together and started to do the work to have the plaza on the embarcadaro named in honor of brother Bridges. The committee has obtained the endorsement of all the San Francisco ILWU longshore locals as well as support from the MFOW, MM&P, the mayor's office and the Labor Council. Plans are being made to approach the Port Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
When he turns to at Maersk. Under the Miscellaneous Dockworkers agreement fueling is specifically assigned to gearmen. Every other terminal in this port employs gearmen. Maersk has been getting around this for years by ordering utility lift men to do gearmen's work. According to the arbitrator gearmen are unnecessary, utility men can do whatever they are told, and Maersk can do whatever it wants. And anyone who says otherwise is in violation of the PCLCD. Needless to say the ruling is being appealed.
Here's one for the 1999 negotiations.
Whereas when a person retires on the waterfront he or she can only receive benefits based on a maximum of 35 qualifying years.
And whereas some people who have their 35 years in are too young to retire because a person cannot collect benefits until they reach age 62.
And whereas this creates a situation in which persons are forced to work and are not being compensated with their full and proper benefits.
So be it resolved that language be instituted in our retirement plan that any person who has 35 qualifying years be given the option to retire with full benefits regardless of his or her age.
Brother Tex Arnick
Here are more candidates' statements. Because it has worked out so well the Waterfront Worker would like to expand this feature. After the election the paper will take statements from runn off and Caucus and Convention Candidates up to 500 words. The idea is to have prospective candidates for these important positions discuss the issues in detail.
Brothers and Sisters: I am asking for your vote and support in the upcoming union elections. I ask that you return me to serve another term on the Executive Board and to elect me to be your voice at the Caucus and Convention. As you know the upcoming negotiations will be very important because we are currently under attack by PMA. This contract year we need to maintain and improve our wages and working conditions that past members fought so hard for. I am one of the newere longshore workers, but I have been a member of one union or another for over 25 years. My hope is to bring a fresh perspective and untapped energy to the process. I will work hard to preserve this great union. I will take this job and your trust seriously because it is our livelihood, mine and yours, at stake. Let's fight the good fight together.
Brother Kevin Gibbons
Brothers and Sisters: Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Business Agent this past year. I especially want to thank you for your cooperation and help throughout the year. You have truly been my eyes and ears out there on the job. I ask that you return me to the position of Business Agent in 1999.
Brother Bobby Guillory
This local is undergoing enormous change. I consider myself to be a part of that change. In the past I have served on the Executive Board, Board of Trustees and Steward's Council. This year I hope to expand my participation to include Caucus and Convention and Publicity Committee. The change I see going on is good. It's as if the local is finding itself. It's my aspiration in serving on these committees to keep us moving in the right direction.
Brother Aaron Wright
Brothers and Sisters: I look forward to serving as one of your dispatchers in 1999. Whether it's been coaching basketball or dispatching jobs I've learned the best way of doing things is to treat everyone with courtesy and respect. This will be my game plan in 1999.
Brother David "Bank Roll" Banks
Brothers and Sisters: I'm running for the office of Secretary-Treasurer. I don't see myself as a politician. I'm running simply because I feel I have much to offer by serving in this position. I was a business major in college and after serving on the Board of Trustees I see many ways the job of Secretary-Treasurer can be done better. The Dues Office needs to be run and managed more efficiently. As your Secretary-Treasurer I will do this. We need to install a computer system also. The computer has already been purchased it's just a matter of getting the job done. As Secretary-Treasurer I will see to it. Like I said I'm not a politician. I was a business major in school and now I am a union member who cares and can apply my knowledge and experience where it will do the most good.
Sister Jolita Lewis
Brothers and Sisters: I am running for the office of President in 1999. I have been a member of Local 10 for 31 years. In that time I have served as Secretary-Treasurer, President, Business Agent and on countless boards and committees. Whether in paid office or not I have always been an active and productive participant in the composition of this union. In 1999 we need a President that will work with and strengthen our union committees. We need a President who will cultivate a good relationship between us and the community. WE NEED A PRESIDENT THAT WILL ORGANIZE! This union has a long way to go and a short time to get there. Vote for brother Lawrence Thibeaux, President, ILWU, Local 10
Brother Lawrence Thibeaux
After passing a motion calling for a full investigation of violations to the Unity Agreement (in regards to the upcoming November 23rd Caucus) everything was moving along fine until the subject of the 4 brothers who were taken off the ballot by Secretary-Treasurer Bill Watkins came up.
The crux of the issue is can these brothers who were in good standing be taken off the ballot for not being in good standing? According to the Secretary-Treasurer these brothers are not in good standing because their books weren't stamped up. According to our Constitution a member is not in good standing who fails to pay fines, assessments or dues for a period of 1 month and 15 days. None of the eliminated brothers fell into this category.
When this was pointed out to brother Watkins he stated his "Constitutional ruling" had no basis in the Constitution but was based on "past practice". It was at this point that brother Wing chimed in with a Constitutional interpretation supporting Bill's decision. He also intimated that he had spoken with our attorneys about the matter and their sage advice was to stick with past practice.
When asked the direct question, "Did the attorneys, in fact, counsel you to eliminate these brothers from the ballot?" brother Wing admitted he had not spoken with our attorneys about the matter. The discussion went around and around similar to a 3 card Monty game.
When asked by what authority was the decision made the Constitution was cited. When asked what section it came under, past practice was referred to. And when Bill was backed into a corner Brother Wing provided his Constitutional interpretations.
When asked how can the President make a Constitutional interpretation on something that is not in the Consitution the Prez's answer was, "Hey I done it. If you don't like it appeal it to the International." A number of members walked out in disgust after Wing stated his decision was not subject to being over-ruled by the membership.
Brother Wing also announced he and Miniace are getting chummy for the upcoming contract negotiations. According to the prez Miniace phoned him at home after reading his bulletin calling for us to sit down and "dialogue" with the employer. And based on this new found warmth and friendship PMA is dropping all the charges in the Neptune Jade case.
Just in case Larry and Joe have a falling out there's a rally scheduled for November 17th at 9 a.m. in front of the court house at 13th and Jackson. Bring your partner, for in all likelihood there won't be much happening on the waterfront his day. It's the usual program, speakers, chanting, and a court room packing contest.
THE RALLY HAS BEEN CANCELLED. THE EMPLOYER IS SEEKING A DIPLOMATIC WAY TO THROW IN THE TOWEL. THEY HAVE POSTPONED THE HEARING BUT HAVE NOT, AS OF YET, DROPPED THE CHARGES. THE FULL DETAILS OF THESE LATE BREAKING EVENTS WILL BE COVERED IN THE NEXT WATERFRONT WORKER.
But if it's a rally you're looking for we sure have got 'em. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney will be in town on the 17th and there are rally's bustin' out all over the place. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the teachers at SFSU (corner of 19th and Halloway) are going to raise hell. At 1:30 NABERT/CWA workers are having a benefit and hell raiser in honor of KGO-TV at 900 Front Street and at 4:15 the Hotel and Restaurant workers are going to give 'em hell in front of the Marriott Hotel. Could this be the real reason PMA postponed the trial???
The next edition of the Waterfront Worker will be featuring correspondence from readers (local, coastwise and internationally). If you want to get your 2 cents in act now...
KEEP THE EDITOR BUSY
SEND IN NEWS, LETTERS, ETC.
The Waterfront Worker is not an official publication of ILWU Local 10
