|
THE
GREAT 34th SEATTLE
PACIFIC COAST PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
Three outstanding events at the convention include first the statement
on anti-terrorism submitted by past ILWU President Brian McWilliams and
endorsed by the convention. The statement is included elsewhere in this
issue. It deserves careful study by our membership.
The second great
event was the barbecue held at Pier 5. This was prepared and financed by
Tacoma Local 23 pensioners. It was very well prepared and served and
everyone had their fill of good food and music. Our Seattle Club is
forever grateful for the Tacoma Club's generosity and support.
The third outstanding
event was the Harry Bridges Labor Center scholarship awards ceremony at
the University Faculty Club chaired by Mike Honey, Labor Center
chair-holder. The University Labor Center provided a wonderful lunch and
free drinks. The attendance ran into hundreds including over two hundred
PCPA delegates.
What was really
wonderful was the mingling of labor, university students and faculty. That
kind of interaction between labor, faculty, students, associates and
general public participation is something little seen but needed more in
times of crisis. It should also be recalled that the Harry Bridges Labor
Center was sponsored by Martin Jugum and the Seattle Longshore Pensioners
Club.
Such cross-cultural
mixing at grass roots level is what can keep us from forever being
manipulated by politicians, media and mindless corporate power. All in attendance were impressed by the wonderful, democratic spirit of the
occasion.
We thank the labor
Center for that wonderful celebration and Bob Rogers and his indefatigable
committee for organizing it and the convention itself. It all came off
without a hitch and in full splendor! |
