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34th
Annual Convention
ILWU Pacific Coast Pensioners Association Seattle, WA.
Monday. Sept. 17. 2001. Convened at 9:00 AM at the Executive Inn. We were welcomed by Host
President Rudy Martinez. We stood for the National Anthems of Canada and
the United States led and sung by Kris Tanner, Local 19, Pensioners Club.
The invocation was given by Cleophas Williams, Local 10 Bay areas
pensioners Club. Our guest speaker King County Executive Director Ron Sims
spoke welcoming the convention to Seattle pledging his support of labor
issues and thanking us for our support of him in the past. The meeting was
adjourned at 11:45.
Members
and guests enjoyed either a trip to the top of the Space Needle or a tour
of the Maritime Museum, Odyssey, at pier 66. That evening most attended an
absolutely marvelous buffet and awards presentation by the Harry Bridges
Chair at the University of Washington Faculty Club. All of us were
impressed with the work being accomplished there.
Tuesday. Sept. 18. 2001. Called to order at 9:00 Am. Joe Wenzel, Coast Committeeman, spoke.
He stated that one of the most important items to be covered at the
Pre-Contract Caucus would be an improved pension package. The pension fund
is in good shape. It is 98% funded - unfortunately down from the free
market crash high of 113%; but not to worry the employer has to start
paying in again if it should get down to 80% funded. Joe did a good job
standing up alone to answer the questions thrown at him. He said that most
things will be settled at the caucus in January,02.
Resolutions
were handed out, discussed, voted and accepted. Recessed at 12:00 for
buffet lunch.
Reconvened
at 1:30 PM. Brian McWilliams spoke thanking us for our support in the past
when he was International ILWU President. He touched on our national
tragedy and urged us to condemn senseless acts of violence against
innocent people everywhere. He reminded us to continue to challenge the
acts of our own government when they are aggressive toward workers
elsewhere in the world (McWilliams statement
can be found here.)
Nominations
for officers were made and seconded: All incumbents were reelected with
the exception that Ken Swicker, Columbia River Pensioners replaces Esther
Auvinen who did not run again, as delegate and
Bill Duncan,
Vancouver Island, BC, will serve as delegate. The meeting adjourned at
4:30 PM. That
evening we all attended an excellent banquet. Entertainment was provided
by Kris Tanner, Local 19, pensioners Club who treated us to wonderful
voice and piano selections. Once again Ian Ruskin performed his
excellent impressions of Harry Bridges, which was enjoyed by all. Music
for dancing was provided by Buck Reopelle, Local 23, Tacoma Pensioners.
Wednesday. Sept. 19. 2001: Reconvened at 9:00 AM.
Area
welfare directors spoke regarding the problems with 100% Dental Coverage
particularly the shortage of dentists available to the plan. We can
still remain with our old dentists and receive 80% coverage.
The
convention was adjourned to reconvene Sept. 15 through 18, 2002 at the
West Coast Hotel in Longbeach, CA.
It
was a good meeting with tots of communication among those attending. The
Canadians hit the mike quite often, We want to thank them for their
support during our current tragedy. They have added 200 people to the
Association rolls in two years. That's a great job.
As always, Portland, Columbia River, San Francisco and Southern
California turned out strong and well represented their areas and clubs.
We all greatly enjoy getting together.
An outstanding job was done by our convention committee Chairman,
Bob Rogers and his committee. Also terrific were Bob Smith, John and
Emma Ehly and their help with registration and Bob Mackner and
his Hospitality Room crew.
We also thank all the members and the Women’s' Auxiliary for
their great help and support.
Also a big cheer for our photographer, Ed Hicks and his wife.
We
particularly want to thank Dick Melton and his wife, Locals 19 and 23
from their President on down to all of the people from both Locals who
put in their time and effort to provide the Sunday evening Barbecue at
Pier 5. It was a great get together.
Respectively
submitted, Paul S. McCabe,
Local 19 Puget Sound Delegate
and
John
Johnson,
Local 19 2nd Vice President
Pacific
Coast Pensioners
Association.
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