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Longshore Workers Shut Down Ports to Protest Iraq War
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Traven
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May 10, 2008 07:47 PDT
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Longshore Workers Shut Down Ports to Protest Iraq War
Chris Kutalik and Mischa Gaus
Top: Longshore workers in Seattle march against the
war. Credit: Jim Levitt. Bottom: San Francisco longshore workers
participate in the May Day action. Credit: Mike Parker.
Thousands of dock workers refused to move cargo
containers on May 1 at all 29 West Coast ports as part of a protest
against the war in Iraq. The eight-hour day-shift stoppage followed an
anti-war resolution adopted by International Longshore and Warehouse
Union members in early February that called for "stop-work"
meetings.
"We're supporting the troops and telling politicians in Washington
that it's time to end the war in Iraq," said ILWU President Bob
McEllrath in a press release.
The ILWU’s master contract with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)
allows the union to hold "all-out" meetings once a month during
the evening shift. The union has used the stoppages in the past to hold
meetings and occasional protests and solidarity actions.
ILWU Local 19 members marching in Seattle. Credit Jim
Levitt
The May 1 action was hailed by Iraqi port workers.
"The courageous decision you made to carry out a strike on May Day
to protest against the war and occupation of Iraq advances our struggle
against occupation," said a statement from the General Union of Port
Workers in Iraq, which simultaneously shuttered two ports for one hour as
well.
Although notified in advance, PMA declined the union’s request to hold
stop-work meetings during the day shift on May 1, triggering a series of
legal moves on both sides that eventually involved an arbitrator and
federal judge.
Union members went forward with their protest, despite complaints from
employers and a ruling by the arbitrator.
Available Online:
Yes
Source URL:
http://labornotes.org/node/1655
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