The 2007 ILA Convention set the most forward-looking agenda for the union in a generation. A few international officers such as Executive VP Harold Daggett and VP Kenny Riley have strongly advocated for the changes laid out by the Convention. However, the International has not done enough to carry out the agenda.

Reformers, including the Local 1588 delegation, pushed through resolutions to end the wage, royalty and benefit tiers; to revise and expand longshore safety regulations; and to organize non-union longshoring operations -- a growing threat to our standards and jurisdiction.

The tide turns
At previous conventions, many officers and delegates were strongly opposed to resolutions for greater democracy, for more aggressive approaches towards employers, and for a stronger master contract. Now the tide has finally turned.

1588 delegates to the 2007 Convention were a part of that change. At the Local's General Meeting prior to the Convention, 1588 members voted to obligate our delegates to stand up for direct elections and an end to wage and royalty tiers. Anthony Falcicchio, Tony Perlstein, and Mike McClean, along with reformers from other locals, argued strongly for these positions in committee meetings throughout the convention, often catching flack from delegates who don't want to rock the boat. But by the time the proposals on tiers, safety, and organizing non-union work reached the floor, they were unanimously approved by delegates.

West Coast pushes forward as East Coast stalls
In the tough economy, the West Coast longshore union recently settled a good contract after coordinated job actions up and down the coast. The West Coast union started early, involving their membership in a bargaining team and keeping the rank-and-file informed through a special web site. They flexed their muscles and prepared for a drawn-out fight.

On the East Coast, there has been little effort since the Convention from the International to mobilize the membership for a the kind of fight necessary to win these improvements from the employers. The ILA has given no information to locals or members on what we must do to prepare to win an end to the wage and benefit tiers, improve safety and organize non-union work. It will take more to win a decent contract for the ILA.

Plan the contract campaign at membership meeting
1588 will involve our members in the fight to win a good contract. Members should begin to discuss and advocate for changes in the contract and come to our September 22 General Meeting. The members will have to carry out the will of the Convention. We will have to communicate and build toward bargaining in 2009 and 2010 to achieve a secure future with decent wages, benefits and safety on the job.