|
Conversations With Harry
By Ian Kennedy
Returning from the
IDC conference, I decided to stop in San Francisco, hopping I’d be able to
catch up with Harry and company. I was in luck.
When
I walked into the bar I saw him sitting at the usual table with Henry.
They
both seemed in good spirits and were laughing as I walked up.
“What are you doing here already? I wasn’t expecting you for a couple more
weeks.” Harry asked.
I responded, “I was just in Long Beach for the IDC conference. And thought I'd try to save a
trip down later.”
“So, I’m not
worth a special trip?” he asks with a smile. “So, tell us what has been
going on. Will there be early negotiations? Are they gong to bring the widows up
to par? Hell, are them employers going to live up to the last contract??
“I’ll ignore
your first question.” I replied. “ As to early negotiations, yes. If I
remember correctly, negotiations should start in April.”
“Well kid, you tell the boys for me, they
shouldn’t let them suits play ring-around-the-rosey with them. The minute they
start there stalling tactics, send the crew home. And make sure you get there
wish list at the same time you give them ours. And don’t think just ‘just
cause you got them democrats in congress, you got the employers up a creek.
Shit, look what they tried to do to me.
Democrats are only a little bit better
than Republicans, you listen to me kid, I’ve been through it all. ” Harry
drains his glass and refills it from the pitcher.
“You mind if I have some of that?” I ask, pointing to the beer.
Henry is smiling, “You listen to him, he knows what he speaks.
Labor hasn’t wagged the dog in a long time. Certainly not since the AFL and
the CIO merged. This new group, Sterns and Hoffa, there from the same
shoe. I don't see them doing anything.”
Harry nods, “Need to beat them at there own game. Get all the Dockers working
together. The ITF and the IDC have got to work as one. They have the same
employers as we do. They may call themselves different, but they aint.”
The bar keep sets
a fresh pitcher on
the table. “ This ones on us Harry,
we owe you that.”
“Thanks Mac, it’s good of ya.” Harry replies. “Drink up
kid, you’re way behind.” He’s quiet, drains his glass and refills it. “
You going to the caucus?” I nod. “ make sure they get my message.” Again I
nod.
He slams his empty glass down on the table, pushes himself to his
feet. ”Time to go
Henry.”
He looks at me,
“Hear you’re going to Europe this month, Go to Rotterdam. See what has been
done there. Mechanization. Tell everyone------ See you later, Kid.” And they
head for the door.
|
