Pacific Maritime Association

I N D U S T RY O V E RV I E W The International Longshore and Warehouse Union The Longshore Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) represents waterfront employees on the U.S. and Canadian Pacific Coast, Hawaii and Alaska. History The ILWU was formed in 1937, under the leadership of Harry Bridges, out of District 38 of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). James "Jimmy" R. Herman succeeded Harry Bridges in 1977 and served as the second president of the ILWU until 1991. Subsequent presidents include: • David Arian (1991-1994) • Brian McWilliams (1994-2000) • James Spinosa (2000-2006) • Bob McEllrath (2006-2018) In the summer of 2018, the ILWU held elections for key positions, including to replace longtime President Bob McEllrath. The entire membership - approximately 42,000 workers spanning 60 locals in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska - participated. Official results were announced in October, with William E. Adams elected as President; Robert "Bobby" Olvera, Jr. elected as the Vice President (Mainland); Wesley Furtado elected as Vice President (Hawaii); and Edwin "Ed" Ferris elected as Secretary-Treasurer. The Longshore Division The Longshore Division of the Union is made up of locals that are defined along occupational lines: longshore workers, clerks and walking bosses/foremen. In each of the four geographic divisions — Washington and Puget Sound; Oregon and the Columbia River; Northern California; and Southern California — there are several Longshore locals, at least one Clerk local and one Walking Boss or Foreman local. Governing Body The ILWU Longshore Division is governed by the Division's Coast Committee, which consists of President William E. Adams, Vice President Robert Olvera, Jr. and Committeemen Frank Ponce de Leon and Cameron Williams. The Longshore Division holds periodic Caucuses to which each local sends representatives, where policy is established, collective bargaining demands formulated and other union business is conducted. Longshore workers handle the loading and unloading of ships and barges, stuff and un-stuff certain containers, handle lines, maintain stevedoring gear and perform many other activities. The Clerks process the cargo information for delivery and shipment. The Walking Bosses or Foremen are in charge of the loading and unloading operation and report to the stevedoring company superintendent. The Longshore Division makes up about one-fifth of the ILWU's total membership. The bulk of the remaining membership consists of: longshore members in Alaska, Hawaii and British Columbia, Canada; warehousing workers; office workers; workers in Hawaiian sugar and pineapple plantations and processing plants; Hawaiian hotel and tourism workers; the Inlandboatman's Union, the Marine Division of the ILWU; and various other groups. Evergreen's Ever Envoy and Ever Lenient at berth at the Port of Los Angeles. 34 2 0 1 8 a n n u a l r e p o r t

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