Grassroots support: East Bay recycling workers who recently voted to join ILWU Local 6 have been fighting for dignity, respect and better working conditions. They volunteered this fall to help San Leandro Mayoral candidate Pauline Cutter, who has supported their fight for justice.
Low voter turnout in the November 4 election allowed anti-union politicians to gain control of the U.S. Senate, and defeat many union friendly candidates across the country. Along the West Coast, ILWU members lost some friends – but also scored some gains that could bear fruit for union members in the coming years.
The tally of ILWU-friendly Senators in the West declined by one with the defeat of Alaska Senator Mark Begich, who supported efforts by Alaska Marine Highway ferry workers – members of the Inland Boatmen’s Union (IBU) – to secure a fair contract. Portland Local 8 member Jeff Smith and IBU Puget Sound Region member John Ross both volunteered on the Begich campaign for nearly a month and received important help from Alaska Longshore worker John Bush and IBU Alaska ferry worker Casey Calhoun. The team spent their time contacting ILWU members and pensioners in Juneau and Anchorage.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley – a friend of the ILWU and strong ally of working families – held onto his seat by a healthy margin, according to Matt Findley, President of the Oregon Area District Council. Support was provided for six state house candidates who were friendly to the ILWU, with only one candidate, Chuck Lee, losing his race.
There were no dramatic changes in Washington State’s election results, according to Dan McKisson, President of the Puget Sound District Council.
In California, several union-friendly members of Congress held onto their seats, despite massive campaign spending by anti-union corporate interests. Survivors included Ami Bera from Elk Grove, Mike Honda from San Jose, and Julia Brownley from Oxnard. Southern California members received a slate card with ILWU endorsed candidates, thanks to a joint effort coordinated by Southern California District Council President Cathy Familathe, Political Action Committees of Locals 13, 63 and 94, and SCDC delegates.
Most candidates on the ILWU slate were successful, including former State Senator and ILWU friend Ted Leiu who was elected to Congress, along with Pete Aguilar from the Inland Empire. Former Long Beach City Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell and Carson City Councilmember Mike Gibson – both ILWU allies – were elected to the State Assembly. Unfortunately, ILWU friend Al Muratsuchi lost his Assembly seat in a narrow race.
In Northern California, results were generally positive with San Franciscans voting to raise their minimum wage to $15 by 2018. Oakland voters chose pro-union City Council member Abel Guillen and raised their minimum wage to $12.25. San Leandro voters elected Mayor Pauline Cutter who supports improving conditions for low-wage recycling workers. Voters in the City of Richmond chose a slate of pro-union candidates despite a $3 million smear campaign by the Chevron Corporation, who failed to buy the election with their own slate of candidates. Local 10’s Richard Mead helped mobilize many volunteers who also came from Local 6.
International Vice President Wesley Furtado reported that ILWU-endorsed candidates were elected in Hawaii, including U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, U.S. House members Mark Takai and Tulsi Gabbard and a host of State Senators and Representatives.