Conversations With Harry
By Ian Kennedy

The caucus was running on schedule, not having to resort to night sessions. Thus, I was able to get out to meet with Harry. As par for the course, I was late. When I entered the bar, I saw Harry at the table, sitting with Jerry Bulcke. As I sat down, Jerry filled the waiting glass.
    Harry spoke, “What took you so long, we don’t have time to waste.” I was taken back by his brusqueness. “I don’t travel as fast as I used to.” I responded.
    Jerry jumped in, “how’s the caucus going?” he asked.
    “Well, we’ve been in session just over a week and we completed the pension section just before recess this evening. There’s an attitude that the Clerks gave up to much for the little we got out of the last contract. Local 13 seems to be spearheading it and is wanting much larger increases to the pension. For the retirees, they want to reduce the tiers to three and give each group a increase, trying to bring the lower tiers closer to the top tier.” I glanced at Harry, he seemed to be a little less agitated. “There are resolutions for improvements in health care, vision and dental, and of coarse MOB is a strike issue, in the words of our International President.”
    Harry looks at me, “What do you think of your new president?”
    I smile, “Well, as for how he is doing as President, he’s doing a better job then I had expected. But the jury is still out. We’ll know more when we get a contract I know, even though he’s not a friend of the clerks, he has tried to be fair to all. He could utilize his vice president better.”
    Jerry interrupts, “Will there be a timely settlement? Are the rank-and-file ready for a fight, or will they give in to the Employers?
    “I think, the attitude is that it won’t be easy, Bush is a lame duck and may not be able to gather the support to go after us.”
    Harry catches the eye of the bartender and points to the empty pitcher.
As the bartender brings us a fresh one, I continue, “Our Brothers and Sisters look at what we did six years ago, and are impressed.” They will be on the lines if we get to that point. The only question I have is, will the negotiating committee protect section one of both the Longshore and the Clerks contracts?   Harry jumps in, “aren’t the Employers installing some new technology the turns the Clerks work over to the trucking companies and drivers?”
    “Yes” I responded, “It puts the Tech. Committee in a tough position. Young Kagel has recently ruled on an arbitration that effects what is happening in LA/LB. We can only wait and see what happens with the negotiations.”
   “When do they get started?” Jerry asked.
    “The committee returns to San Francisco the first of March to find living quarters, then they will go through the package. I think the plan is to meet with the Employers around the First of April.”
    Harry looked up at the wall clock, “Looks like it’s time. Kid, keep us informed.” He pauses, “What’s this BS about a ten or twelve hour day? What’s got into their heads anyway?-----What happened to our push for the six hour day? Come on Jerry, were going to be late.”
    “Wait, isn’t it your turn to pay?” I asked.
    Harry looks back at me and smiles, waves, “See ya kid.” And is out the door.