ILWU
Contract Caucus
San Francisco, CA., January 2002
We arrived at the Caucus meeting Monday, January 28th and were very
much surprised to find that the Retirees' Benefits had been discussed the
week before. We had previously been informed that these topics would be on
the Agenda the week of January 28th. The only one of our group who was
present the week of the 21st, when they were brought up, was George
Kuvacas Sr., President of Local 13 Retirees..
There was a lot of argument regarding increases of wages particularly
by the crane operators. A lot of people were on the mike especially from
Local 13. They have power to control the West Coast between Local 13 and
Clerks Local 63. Seventy percent of the delegates from those locals, all
in key jobs, are only interested in an increase in money.
It is not expected to be an easy negotiation. There are a lot of issues
negotiated in the last contract that the employer is disputing
particularly in regard to welfare. While our Pension is secure in the
event of a strike (or lockout), our health and welfare benefits are likely
to be cut off until settlement. We would recommend that anyone and their
spouses and dependents who have elective health or dental problems get
them taken care of before the end of June. This applies to actives as well
as retirees.
The ILWU Pacific Coast Pensioners' Association Executive Board passed a
motion at their meeting that each member of the Board would donate $50 per
month beginning with February to be put in a special fund to aid the
Longshore division in the event of a strike (or lockout). Should the
contract be negotiated without work stoppage the money will be returned to
the donors.
Paul S. McCabe,
Delegate
John Johnson,
2nd Vice President
Local 19, Pensioners Club.
Pacific Coast Pensioners' Assoc |
