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2003 CAUCUS
Last month's ILWU
coastwise caucus was held on a note of preparation for struggle. We are now
facing two powerful enemies. One is a hostile PMA. The
PMA is now prepared to oppose the ILWU on every issue in labor
relations. The other is the anti-union Bush administration. The PMA will
obstruct, confuse, distort and delay every part of the new contract - in other
words adopt a totally anti-union policy. We face six years of labor relations
conflict. The Bush administration will do everything in its power to back the
PMA. The undemocratic laws enacted to wipe out terrorism will be used to wipe
out unionism. If anyone doubts that they haven't been paying attention.
In response to
these threats against our union the caucus voted an assessment of $50.00 per
month for each union member to be put in a fighting fund. Pensioners are
requested to donate to the fund as much as possible.
Hardly any
longshore worker will object to the fund. It simply means the difference between
our union or no union - the difference between being able to maintain union
standards on the job or facing lower wages, little safety and minimum or no
welfare provisions. We do not intend to go back to pre-'34 standards. We also
must take the same emergency measures and be prepared to vote Mr. Bush out of
office. If the worst anti-union President in the history of the office remains
in power, we will continue to face an unending battle to preserve our union
rights and conditions.
Every worker
vote! Vote EVERY WORKER A UNION JOB!
And while your
at it, support our union organizing campaign.
Every new union member is a fighter for our cause. We need them!
The caucus also
reported that all regulations, rules and IRS clearances are in place and our
pension and welfare increases will take effect July 1st.
Welcome news!
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