The ILWU’s 37th Convention met in Portland, Oregon on June 4-8. A total of 349 delegates and 40 fraternal delegates attended, along with up to 100 observers who witnessed the triannual meeting. The ILWU convention is the union’s highest decision-making body that meets every three years to democratically set policy, program, and consider changes to the ILWU Constitution.

McEllrath’s final keynote ILWU International President Robert McEllrath delivered the keynote address on the Convention’s opening day. It was his final convention as an officer and member; he will step down as President by the end of this year, having reached the maximum age of 65 for holding a top office in the ILWU. McEllrath also announced his plans to retire and spend time with his family, instead of returning to the waterfront where he started working 49 years ago. ILWU members elected him to serve four terms as International President, starting in 2006. Before that, McEllrath served nine years as ILWU Vice President for the Mainland.

ILWU International Secretary- Treasurer Willie Adams introduced McEllrath, thanking him for a lifetime of service to the ILWU and calling McEllrath a “tireless crusader” who has been “unwavering” and constantly tested by challenging events.

“Your name will be etched in stone along with the other past Presidents of the ILWU,” said Adams.

McEllrath started his address on a lighter note by poking fun at his aversion to technology, explaining, “many of you know that I’m not into Facebook or Twitter, but the Marine Clerks have been encouraging me to be more open-minded about new technology, so I’m learning.” McEllrath then surprised the crowd by pulling out a selfie stick and snapping a photo of himself with hundreds of convention delegates in the background who burst into laughter.

His speech began by recognizing the hard work of the other titled officers: Vice President (Mainland) Ray Familathe, Vice President (Hawaii) Wesley Furtado, and Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams, as well as Coast Committeemen Frank Ponce De Leon and Cameron Williams, and Coast Benefits Director John Castanho.

McEllrath then reviewed the many challenges, contract fights and organizing victories that occurred during his term as President. He celebrated the good work done in the community by local members up and down the coast, and highlighted initiatives by ILWU members who sent delegations to Standing Rock, Puerto Rico and other places that needed assistance.

He noted that all the speakers at this year’s convention were labor leaders from international locations, and urged delegates to hold onto that spirit of international solidarity as the union moves forward. “There is no other union like the ILWU,” McEllrath said, “And we are going to keep moving forward with solidarity within the organization, and union solidarity around the world.”

Committee work

After the President’s keynote address, delegates went to work in committees. The two largest were Resolutions and Constitution & Programs. Both bodies heard and debated a variety of proposals for new policies and procedures. In order to be eligible for a vote by delegates on the convention floor, proposed resolutions had to first win support from a majority of local union members at home, or a majority of local union delegates attending the convention. Then each resolution was thoroughly explained, debated, amended and subject to a vote in one of the committees before finally reaching the convention floor where it faced further debate and a final vote by the delegates. In order to consider all of the proposed resolutions, some committees met late into the night in order to finish their work.

International guests

Beginning on the second day, delegates began hearing from international trade union leaders, beginning with Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary for the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and President of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). Crumlin is known for his fiery and inspiring speeches and he did not disappoint. He began by recognizing the native tribes of the Portland area including the Multnomah, Klamath, and Clackamas peoples.

He then paid tribute to the host city, praising Portland for its wonderful public transportation system, abundant parks and social policies – and for being one of the most progressive and democratic cities in the country. “This is our achievement, the working class,” Crumlin said. “Nobody gave us those things.”

Crumlin’s emphasized the importance of working class organizations, including unions, that that have fought for generations to advance the interests of workers and defended those gains from constant assaults by employers.

“The challenge for trade unionism is far greater than it’s ever been. Longshoremen in Australia and here have good conditions of employment but no one gave them to us. We fought

every day and every inch and we are still fighting. We are born out of struggle and we will continue to be in that vortex of struggle. Why? Because we are strong. We are powerful. We have high self-esteem. We have genuine democracy. We are working people that build our lives around each other. We reconcile our differences in our collective interest. That is what they fear.”

Crumlin then went on to argue for the importance of international solidarity. He spoke about the revitalization of the ITF after the Liverpool dockworkers strike 20 years ago. He argued that the survival of dockworker unions is essential for helping all workers around the world.

“How can you protect Filipino seafarers, nurses, and teachers if you can’t protect dockworkers? We are right in the center of international trade. We’ve got history and form. We’ve got unity and militancy. If they destroy us, what chance does the international working class have? Absolutely none.”

Crumlin challenged the labor movement with a vision that was not merely defensive.

“We are going to change this world for the many, not just the few. No one is going to do it but us. No one has got that self-belief. No one has got the institutions. Our political institutions have failed us. So we are going back to the institutions that we formed to protect ourselves against greed and exploitation wherever it stood up,” Crumlin concluded.

Joe Fleetwood

After Crumlin, the convention heard from General Secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) Joe Fleetwood. He talked about the long history of solidarity between MUNZ and the ILWU, noting that Harry Bridges used to attend their conventions in New Zealand. “Unity, solidarity and internationalism aren’t just words,” Fleetwood said, “they’re the way we live.”

Fleetwood thanked President McEllrath for the support they received from the ILWU during their dispute with the Ports of Auckland.

Steve Cotton

Steve Cotton is the General Secretary, who holds the top staff position at the International Transport Workers Federation. He said it was an honor to speak before the ILWU delegates and praised the uniqueness of the ILWU in the North American labor movement, noting the ILWU’s strength and power that established a global standard for dockworkers wages and working conditions.

Working men and women need inspiration from trade unionists now more than ever, said Cotton. “Unions are vilified by those in power because we are the last bastion of democracy.” He praised the internationalism of President McEllrath, adding, “There are no soft fixes with Bob” Cotton said. “He does things in a way that is democratic and accountable.”

Chris Cain

On the third day of the convention, MUA’s Western Australia Branch Secretary addressed delegates and detailed the attacks by employers on Australian docks, mines and petrochemical industries.

He spoke about the need to challenge unjust laws in Australia that prevent workers from effectively resisting employer attacks. “Unions need to be industrially strong, politically strong, and financially strong,” he said.

Cain said that unions like the ILWU and MUA should maintain their militant and democratic traditions and history of cooperation between the two unions. “A strong ILWU means a strong MUA,” Cain said. “We need to organize, organize, and then organize again.”

Niek Stam

The National Secretary of the Dutch Dockers Union (FNV), Niek Stam, spoke about the many challenges facing workers in the shipping industry – especially consolidation and automation of terminals.

“The next chapter will be challenging due to new developments in our industry.” He said. “The ILWU must come together with other unions in the ITF. New challenges are coming about that will influence the future of the longshoremen we represent,” said Stam.

Katsushige Mashima

On the fourth day of the convention, Katsushige Mashima, President of Zenkowan, the All Japan Dockworkers’ Union, addressed delegates. He traced his personal relationship with the ILWU back to 2012 when ILWU members in Hawaii were fighting for a first contract at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Honolulu. Zenkowan helped win the fight by enabling the hotel workers to reach Japanese travel agents and ultimately, Japanese tourists who frequently vacation in Hawaii.

Mashima described the challenges now facing Japanese dockworkers: “Our port industries are at a crossroads, with automation that will affect workers. We must make sure that workers are secure and that rights and safety are maintained,” Mashima said. The ILWU and Zenkowan renewed their “Friendship and Solidarity Agreement.” This important gesture has become a tradition at recent ILWU conventions. The latest solidarity agreement was signed by President Mashima and the four Titled Officers of the ILWU.

Steve Todd

Following Mashima was Steve Todd, National Secretary of Britain’s Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers’ Union (RMT). “I am here because of the international solidarity that has brought us together over the years, and I want to express that solidarity to all you brothers and sisters at the convention,” declared Todd. He spoke about the importance of international solidarity and recognized the ILWU’s history of being at the forefront of international struggles. He said the ILWU has always been one of the first unions to step forward and help workers in need of assistance around the world. Todd talked about the declining number British seafarers and the need for their own version of America’s Jones Act, the US law that protects domestic shipping industry. He said the number of British seafarers will continue to decline through attrition and added that the threat of automated ships could reduce the number of seafarers even further.

Organizing victories

ILWU Vice President (Mainland) Ray Familathe delivered his part of the Officers Report that featured a rundown of ILWU organizing campaigns on the Mainland. Familathe began by taking a moment to recognize two groups of workers who are organizing new unions in their workplaces. He first asked Katy Bradley and Felicia Arguello to stand and be recognized; both are veterinary technicians who work at VCA’s animal hospital in San Francisco. Arguello and Bradley were part of the successful organizing effort at their hospital which began in November of 2017, when a group of 96 veterinary assistants, techs, customer service representatives and aides formed their new union with help from the ILWU. The workers voted overwhelmingly (winning by a margin of 3 to 1) to be rep represented by the ILWU.

Arguello and Bradley were joined by Joe McCray, Bradley’s grandfather, who worked as an assistant to ILWU International President Harry Bridges during the 1960s and 1970s.

“I am really overwhelmed by the welcome and camaraderie that we’ve received here,” said Bradley. “We have been watching the delegates debate and discuss issues in a democratic way that has been really inspiring. I’m excited for our future in the ILWU.”

Familathe also introduced several newly organized superintendents from Southern California. That organizing drive came on the heels of a successful superintendent organizing campaign in Hawaii. Familathe reminded delegates about the many challenges facing workers who try to exercise their collective bargaining rights. Superintendents, for example, had to endure days of grueling testimony in front of officials from the National Labor Relations Board and employer lawyers. Veterinary workers had to overcome a team of anti-union consultants hired by VCA to undermine the union organizing effort.

Local 63 Superintendent Kelly Dondero thanked Vice President Familathe and Local 63 President Joe Gasperov. “A lot of people risked their families and put it all on the line to be a part of the ILWU,” Dondero said. “We are happy, grateful and proud to be a part of the ILWU.”

Pensioners & Auxiliary

On the final day of the convention, delegates heard from Pacific Coast Pensioner Association (PCPA) President Greg Mitre, followed by Auxiliary President Ida Taylor. Mitre said PCPA is actively engaged in supporting the ILWU, wherever and whenever they are called upon. He described the recent growth of Pensioners clubs, including a new chapter in Alaska and efforts to start a Pensioners Club in Panama, which Mitre hopes will be in place by the 2021 Convention. Mitre delivered his speech that included images of pensioner leaders who have passed since the last convention.

He said, “one of the toughest things about being a pensioner is that we often have to say goodbye to our friends. Since the last convention in Hawaii, we have lost some real icons in the ILWU, including Cleophas Williams and George Cobbs Jr. from the SF Bay Area, and Lou Loveridge from Southern California, to name just a few,” said Mitre.

“Pensioners are grateful,” Mitre said, “for all the support we’ve received from active members and officers throughout the years. We are unique when it comes to retirees and staying involved in the fight. The ILWU and its pensioners are unlike any union, and I’ve seen that difference on many occasions while traveling around the world,” concluded Mitre.

Auxiliary President Ida Taylor thanked ILWU officers and delegates for hosting the convention, and explained that she considered it an honor to serve as leader of the Auxiliaries during the past three years. She emphasized the good community work being done by Auxiliary members at local political meetings, ILWU District Council meetings, voter registration drives and other efforts to help support the work of the ILWU. She noted that Auxiliaries members are providing food for local food banks, clothing and back packs for children, hosting Blood Drives, and volunteering at community health fairs. She concluded by reminding delegates that Auxiliaries have long supported all manner of community charities, especially women’s shelters.

After Taylor’s speech, members of Auxiliary 5, Portland, conducted a raffle for prizes that included a beautiful quilt assembled by Auxiliary volunteers up and down the coast. The money raised from the quilt will help fund the work by the Auxiliaries to support the ILWU.

President Emeritus McEllrath

President McEllrath was honored at the end of the convention with a surprise resolution that bestowed him with the title of “President Emeritus,” a title also granted to former Presidents Harry Bridges, Jimmy Herman and James Spinosa. “While it is not possible to express in words our heart-felt appreciation for Bob, this 37th International Convention of the ILWU wishes to recognize his dedication and service to the ILWU by bestowing upon President Robert McEllrath the title of ‘President Emeritus,’” the resolution stated.

Scores of delegates rose to support the motion and share stories about McEllrath and the important struggles he led as ILWU President. Local 94 President Danny Miranda noted the many sacrifices that McEllrath has made for the ILWU, including time away from his family and even going to jail for blocking a train during the Pacific Northwest grain fight.

“I’ll stand up every time for what is right and go to jail for this union and the workers I represent,” Miranda recalled McEllrath saying in court during his sentencing.

Local 142 member Dustin Dawson recalled a conversation he had with Bob that took place early in his career. “If you want to go far in this industry keep your hands in your pockets,” Dawson recalled Bob saying. “Learn to use your brain, not your fists.”

After speakers saluting the resolution for nearly an hour, it passed unanimously.

(For a full list of the resolutions passed by the 37th ILWU Convention, click here)

Officers nominated

The process of nominating candidates for International office was next on the agenda, and the process was lengthy. The nominees for International President are Ray Familathe and Willie Adams; the nominees for International Vice President (Mainland) are Bobby Olvera, Jr. and Michael Podue; the candidates for International Vice President (Hawaii) are Wesley Furtado and George Martin; the candidates for International Secretary-Treasurer are Peter Ciaramitaro and Ed Ferris. Candidates were also nominated for the International Executive Board (IEB).

The current IEB’s recommendations for Balloting Committee and Elections Procedures Committee members were approved by delegates. All candidates will appear on a ballot being mailed to members on July 29th.

Final words

As the convention drew to a close, McEllrath rose to stand at the podium one last time as International President.

He thanked the Columbia River Host Committee for their hard work to plan a successful convention, then acknowledged the International Union staff and thanked them for their hard work that helped make the convention a success.

But he saved his final and most important thanks for the membership, “for putting your faith in me and electing me to serve as your International President for 12 years.”

“I tried to make to this union just a little bit better than when I started,’ he said. “And I hope I did that,” as he banged the gavel on the podium and formally adjourned the ILWU’s the 37th Convention.

The next convention will be in San Francisco in 2021.