Solidarity

“Similar strategies of collective action have been successfully used by farmers and workers for centuries in their struggles against corporate robber barons and the fight being waged today on the docks in Washington State, pitting unionized longshore workers against greedy grain exporters, is really no different,” notes John E. Peck, executive director of Family Farm Defenders.  “It was this historic solidarity that brought ILWU members all the way from the West Coast to bolster the ranks of the hundreds of thousands of protesters outside the state capitol in Madison during the Cheddar Uprising last spring, and which is prompting workers and farmers in Wisconsin and across the nation to express our support for their effort now.  An injury to one is an injury to all.” 

UA Local 393, San Jose, CA

January 16th, 2012

U.A. Local 393 Resolution adopted by unanimous vote January 11, 2012

Whereas, EGT, a joint venture led by multinational grain giant Bunge, agreed to hire union Longshoremen when accepting millions in taxpayer funds to build a huge new grain exporting terminal at the Port of Longview WA, but once the terminal was built has tried to void its contract and refused to hire ILWU labor. With the use of brutal police and courts and 220 arrests in the 225 member ILWU Local 21, EGT has managed to get enough scab grain across picket lines into the new terminal that EGT appears poised to load a ship soon in violation of their agreement with the port; and

Whereas, a solidarity caravan of thousands of union members and community activists -- endorsed by ILWU Locals 10 and 21, the S.F. and Cowlitz County (Longview) labor councils and many others -- is being organized to support our brothers and sisters in Longview, for an emergency mass protest when requested to do so, to confront union-busting by Wall Street on the Waterfront; and

Whereas, according to Longshore & Shipping News, within a month, the empty grain ship will be escorted by armed U.S. Coast Guard vessels and helicopters, from the mouth of the Columbia River to the EGT facility. The Coast Guard is an integral part of the US Armed Forces, operating under the Department of Homeland Security (except when engaged in combat operations abroad, as it did in Iraq, when it operates under the Navy); and

Whereas, this is the first known use of the US military to intervene in a labor dispute on the side of management in 40 years -- not since the Great 1970 Postal Strike when President Nixon called out the Army and National Guard in an (unsuccessful) attempt to break the strike. The use of the Armed Forces against labor unions is something you expect to see in a police state. This is part of a disturbing trend where the US military, acting as enforcers for the 1%, is poised to be used against our own people, as exemplified by the new law allowing the military to imprison US citizens indefinitely without trial; and

Whereas, the US military, which has been oppressing, bombing and threatening other nations [a military that's paid for with the workers' taxes] is now being used against us, against American working people and our unions. To quote ILWU international President Robert McEllrath: "ILWU's labor dispute with EGT is symbolic of what is wrong in the United States today. Corporations, no matter how harmful the conduct to society, enjoy full state and federal protection while workers and the middle class get treated as criminals for trying to protect their jobs and communities."

Therefore be it Resolved, that Plumbers and Fitters Local 393 in San Jose, California condemns in the strongest terms the announced use of US Armed Forces (Coast Guard) to provide an armed sea and air escort for the empty grain ship, which is due to call at the new EGT grain terminal, Port of Longview, Washington, to load scab grain for export to Asia. We condemn this use of the military as part of a union-busting campaign to lower the cost of labor on the waterfront and destroy the union;

And be it further Resolved, that Plumbers and Fitters Local 393 join with allies in other cities on the West Coast to participate in any press conferences and demonstrations that are organized to denounce this use of the military to intervene in a labor dispute on the side of Wall Street on the Waterfront;

And be it finally Resolved, that Plumbers and Fitters Local 393 circulate this resolution to U.A. Locals on the West Coast, to the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, the California Labor Federation, as well as state labor bodies in Oregon and Washington, for concurrence and action, and urge labor leaders including Richard Trumka and Mary Kay Henry to take a strong stand against this brazen assault on our labor rights and civil liberties.

Originally posted at Longshore & Shipping News.

Dear brothers and sisters:

We send this letter to express our support of your struggles with EGT in Longview. We are humbled by your passion and commitment to securing work for your members. All members and leaders in organized labor should take note of your efforts.

As members of the working class, we must stand together in all clashes between Labor and Employer. Labor must stop taking the wrong path as we have so many times in the past of fighting each other on behalf of the employing class. The struggle with EGT is a prime example. Early on, EGT was feeling pressure from all of labor for turning their back to the ILWU, but as we have all too often, and to our detriment, we have made this a fight of Labor versus Labor. This tactic by EGT has been played out by employers for all history and has been the leading cause of struggles of the Labor Movement.

The ILWU has been a beacon for all workers in the fight for a better life through conditions at work. The ILWU has long been the first members of Organized Labor to join a struggle and support workers around the world in their times of need. Now is the time for ALL of Organized Labor to stand with you in this time of need. The members of Carpenters Local 156 understand the gravity of this struggle as much more than gaining a few jobs for its members. This is a line in the sand where all of labor wakens to the attempt of the employing class to erode the rights and working conditions around the world by continuously pitting one group against another.

The members of Operating Engineers Local 701 have been the best friends and biggest supporters of Carpenters in Oregon and SW Washington. That relationship will continue as the members of Local 156 will support Local 701 in all of their struggles with management. With the benefit of this close relationship, we must be the ones to point out when one of us is choosing the wrong path. Local 156 appreciates the attempts of Local 701 to secure more work for its members. However, in this situation Local 701 is doing more harm long term, for its members and all the Labor Movement.

An injury to one is an injury to all. This must be something more than just a saying or a logo we print on stickers and shirts. When all of us in the struggle of the Working Class embrace this as a belief and not just a motto, refuse to take on a fight on behalf of Management, and make decisions with the concern for all in the Labor Movement, and not just in a short term benefit to a select few, as a goal, we will truly see the power we hold and the tremendous change we can affect with it.

Good luck in your continued struggle and best wishes for a positive outcome. Please know that you have the support and deepest gratitude of the members of Local 156 and all of us in the Labor Movement.

In solidarity,

Ben Basom

Recording Secretary

On behalf of the members and Executive Board of Carpenters Local 156

1125 SE Madison St., Rm. 206, Portland, OR 97214-3600

Phone: (503)239-5676, Fax: (503)239-5741 

Resolution in Support of Upcoming ILWU 21 Protest Against EGT Corporation

Approved by the General Membership of Laborers’ Local 483 on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Whereas: the ILWU has always been at the forefront in the struggle for social justice and better working conditions. And,

Whereas: ILWU Local 21 has inspired working people worldwide. And, Whereas: ILWU jurisdiction is under an unprecedented attack. And,

Whereas: It is clear to all working people that EGT corporation is seeking to race to the bottom and destroy a long history of good family wage jobs throughout the area. And,

Whereas: Laborers’ local 483 recognize the blatant union busting tactics of EGT, and the danger of losing the ILWU as a powerful ally for the working class. And,

Be it resolved: that Laborers’ local 483 calls out to friends of labor and the “99%” everywhere to come to the aid of ILWU Local 21, and to support them in any way possible in their fight against multi-national conglomerate EGT. And,

Be it further resolved: that Laborers’ local 483 requests that anyone willing to participate in a community and labor protest in Longview, Washington in response to the arrival of the first EGT grain ship, do so when called upon by this body, who shall communicate to members, staff, and the community the date of the action when determined and, to the best of its ability, help provide outreach, transportation, and other relevant resources to guarantee a successful, massive mobilization in Longview.

Finally be it Resolved: that Laborers’ local 483 forward this resolution to all local unions, the Oregon and national AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions, labor councils and all other relevant organizations.

--Affiliated--

Oregon AFL-CIO | Northwest Oregon Labor Council | O.S.I. District Council of Laborers. Col. Pac. Building and Construction Trades Council | District Council of Trade Unions Representing Public Emloyees

Resolution in Support of Upcoming ILWU 21 Protest Against EGT Corporation

Approved by the General Membership of Laborers’ Local 483 on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Whereas: the ILWU has always been at the forefront in the struggle for social justice and better working conditions. And,

Whereas: ILWU Local 21 has inspired working people worldwide. And,

Whereas: ILWU jurisdiction is under an unprecedented attack. And,

Whereas: It is clear to all working people that EGT corporation is seeking to race to the bottom and destroy a long history of good family wage jobs throughout the area. And,

Whereas: Laborers’ local 483 recognize the blatant union busting tactics of EGT, and the danger of losing the ILWU as a powerful ally for the working class. And,

Be it resolved:  that Laborers’ local 483 calls out to friends of labor and the “99%” everywhere to come to the aid of ILWU Local 21, and to support them in any way possible in their fight against multi-national conglomerate EGT. And,

Be it further resolved: that Laborers’ local 483 requests that anyone willing to participate in a community and labor protest in Longview, Washington in response to the arrival of the first EGT grain ship, do so when called upon by this body, who shall communicate to members, staff, and the community the date of the action when determined and, to the best of its ability, help provide outreach, transportation, and other relevant resources to guarantee a successful, massive mobilization in Longview. 

Finally be it Resolved: that Laborers’ local 483 forward this resolution to all local unions, the Oregon and national AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions, labor councils and all other relevant organizations.

On Monday Dec. 12th, 2011 we’re asking community organizations, rank-and-file union members, residents and journalists to join Occupy Vancouver at Callister park at noon for a 12-hour West Coast Coordinated Port Shutdown. Our fellow Occupiers in San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Tacoma, and Seattle have asked us to stand in solidarity with them and Occupy Vancouver has responded with a resounding YES! We hope that you will join us in this action and invite your sisters, brothers, neighbours and co-workers to successfully block the Port of Vancouver. Bring your signs, chants, passion, instruments, bikes, and revolutionary spirit!

Why?

Canada’s top 61 richest billionaires have a combined wealth of $162 billion and represent 0.0002% of the national population.  These 61 individuals own twice as much wealth as the bottom 17 million Canadians. BC has the highest child poverty rate in Canada for eight years running and 12% of British Columbians – more than half a million people – live below the poverty line.  Real incomes in Canada since 1973 have increased only by $1,500 dollars, while the cost of living, education and home ownership have increased exponentially. Workers today toil longer hours, retire later and spend many more years and money on their education than previous decades. In the 1950s, the average family income based on one pay check could finance home ownership, put kids through university and save for retirement; today two people have to work sometimes multiple jobs to pay the rent, pay off student loans and perhaps one day make room for a child. To finance home ownership and people’s consumption habits, Canadians have gone into serious household debt. The illusion of wealth is maintained on borrowed money for the average Canadian.

The 1% declared war on the 99% a long time ago

The disparity between the rich and poor is growing at an exponential rate. The working class has historically struggled, fought and died for the gains that are currently being systematically stripped away, often by force. The call for a port shutdown is a solidarity action – a call to stand in solidarity with the longshoremen of Longview, WA who are courageously fighting union-busting activities by the grain company EGT. The collective bargaining rights of the working class has been dramatically eroded. From the Canada Postal workers being legislated back to work to flight attendants not striking for fear of being declared an “essential service” the state crack down on union power and theft of collective bargaining chips that ensure a living wage, fair working conditions and benefits, has increased under the pressures of an unstable global capitalist economy. It’s time to stand up and unite as union workers, non-unionized workers, and surplus labour and FIGHT BACK. We can’t wait for management to do this; it is up to us to determine our destiny and struggle for the society we want.

Our Strategy/ Dispelling Fears and Myths

The ports are public. They belong to everyone, including us. If Canada is a democracy and a free country then we have every right to go to the Port and protest. Every right to assert our economic power. The 99% make the economy run and we can make the economy halt. The 1% are parasites that simply move capital – which belongs to EVERYONE – from one region to the next. It’s time to reassert our collective power and show that despite differences we can come together as a united front and halt port activities for 12-hrs. The ILWU, the longshoremen union that stretches across the West Coast, has a history of honouring “community pickets.” If we can get enough bodies to block the New Brighton Port entrance in Vancouver, arbitrators will be forced to get involved and declare working conditions unsafe, allowing the longshoremen to go home with a full day’s pay! We assert our collective bargaining power AND shut down the port!

Call for Support

From our community to yours, we need you. From Vancouver to Los Angeles, we’re behind you. From one human being to another, we can do this. If the state can orchestrate a coordinated-crackdown of Occupy movements, why shouldn’t we strike back and coordinate an action to assert our collective power? United we are more powerful than any individual action.

Mark your calendars: Dec. 12th @ noon @ Callister park, Renfrew & Hastings, East Van.

In solidarity with Occupy Oakland's call for a coordinated west coast port blockade, Occupy Denver hass passed the proposal for the following solidarity action:

 In response to coordinated attacks on the occupations and attacks on workers across the world:

 Occupy Denver stands in solidary with our brothers and sisters who will be blocking the economic apparatus of the 1% by shutting down the ports of the world on Dec 12. Occupy Denver is calling for all land locked occupations to do the same with a coordinated shutdown of Walmart distribution centers throughout the United States on December 12th. The 1% through this greedy cooperation have destroyed communities throughout the world, disregarded workers natural rights, eliminated production jobs in the United States, lowered the standard of living for all, and disrupted the lives of the workers who create their wealth. At the same time coordinated nationwide police attacks have turned our cities into battlegrounds in an effort to disrupt our Occupy movement and neglect the very serious issues we are raising.

 We call on every occupation to organize a mass mobilization to shut down its local Walmart distribution center. Our eyes are on their continued union-busting and attacks on organized labor, their unfair trade practices, the slave labor products that are defiling the world.These horrors are being forced on our communities through a coordinated effort between the 1% and the government of the United States through corporate kickbacks, tax credits, and a pattern of unaddressed and unenforced workers’ rights claims. Walmart is a business that has commoditized and enslaved our entire world for the benefit and profit of a very few.

 Walmart passes on significant costs to many of the states and communities where it operates because so many of the company’s Associates and their families participate in publicly-funded health care and other public assistance programs due to a lack of affordable health care from their employer. At the same time, Walmart has affected international trade policy to move its production to sweatshops in international Free Trade Zones, moving manufacturing jobs overseas, and sending much of its revenue out of local communities, driving out local businesses, which keep more consumer dollars in the local economy. Walmart has created a new kind of blight, destroying local businesses with predatory business strategies, leaving community businesses vacant and abandoned throughout the country.

Since Walmart has decimated communities and continues to attack the workers of the world, we will now shut down their distribution center in Colorado and through out the world affecting the only thing Walmart and the 1% care about: PROFIT.