Longshore Workers Shut Down Ports to Protest Iraq War

— Chris Kutalik and Mischa Gaus

Top: Longshore workers in Seattle march against the war. Credit: Jim Levitt. Bottom: San Francisco longshore workers participate in the May Day action. Credit: Mike Parker.

Thousands of dock workers refused to move cargo containers on May 1 at all 29 West Coast ports as part of a protest against the war in Iraq. The eight-hour day-shift stoppage followed an anti-war resolution adopted by International Longshore and Warehouse Union members in early February that called for "stop-work" meetings.
"We're supporting the troops and telling politicians in Washington that it's time to end the war in Iraq," said ILWU President Bob McEllrath in a press release.

The ILWU’s master contract with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) allows the union to hold "all-out" meetings once a month during the evening shift. The union has used the stoppages in the past to hold meetings and occasional protests and solidarity actions.

ILWU Local 19 members marching in Seattle. Credit Jim Levitt

The May 1 action was hailed by Iraqi port workers. "The courageous decision you made to carry out a strike on May Day to protest against the war and occupation of Iraq advances our struggle against occupation," said a statement from the General Union of Port Workers in Iraq, which simultaneously shuttered two ports for one hour as well.

Although notified in advance, PMA declined the union’s request to hold stop-work meetings during the day shift on May 1, triggering a series of legal moves on both sides that eventually involved an arbitrator and federal judge.

Union members went forward with their protest, despite complaints from employers and a ruling by the arbitrator.