ILWU
Shipping companies file charges over May Day anti-war strike
US West Coast dockers who struck against the war on May 1st now face a legal threat from their employers.
The Pacific Maritime Association has asked the National Labor Relations Board to file charges against the union. The employers’ move, initiated in late May, comes in the midst of ongoing contract talks.
Dockworkers strike against war in America and Iraq
25,000 dock workers in 29 ports across the US went on strike today, to protest the war in Iraq. Meanwhile, in Iraq, dockers stopped work for an hour in a show of international solidarity.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union declared the day as "a day for union business" for workers at all 29 ports on the west coast. This may be the beginning of a record setting anti-war action, since the vast majority of supplies and munitions for the American government's current wars are shipped from the 29 ports on the West Coast. All 29 were closed today.
Oakland dockers honour anti-war picket lines
Oakland Port anti-war and labor protesters close SSA terminal for the day. ILWU 10 & ILWU 34 members refuse to cross lines.
Dozens of anti-war protesters including the leadership and many members of the Oakland Education Association (OEA) joined the picket lines this morning and in the evening of the SSA (Stevedoring Services of America) shipping terminal in Oakland, California to protest the war and the lack of funding for schools in Oakland.
Fletcher, Ben, 1890-19?
A short sketch of life on the Philadelphia ports of black IWW member and dock worker, Ben Fletcher.
Ben Fletcher
Born April 1890 - Philadelphia, USA, died in place and date unknown
"The IWW at least protects the colored man, which is more than I can say for the laws of this country"
- local African Methodist Minister
