ILWU solidarity: International Vice President Ray Familathe told the rally supporting Dutch dockers that international solidarity is a proud tradition of the ILWU.
In 2009, ILWU members and Teamsters joined the Dutch dockers union at a demonstration outside of the Transamerica tower in San Francisco’s financial district. The Dutch dockers’ union, known as FNV Bondgenoten, was demanding the return of pension money from the giant multinational company, Aegon, who took the funds by using an accounting trick. After an international campaign, Aegon, who owns the Transamerica insurance empire, offered to return a portion of the funds. Because the Dutch dockers are still owed $400 million by Aegon, the ILWU held another support rally on June 2 at the Transamerica tower.
Rally participants at the noon event demanded that Aegon return all the money. Speakers included ILWU Vice President Ray Familathe, ILWU Secretary- Treasurer Willie Adams, Niek Stam, National Secretary for the Dutch dockers, Tim Paulson of the San Francisco Labor Council, and officials from the Teamsters union.
A giant jumbotron television screen, mounted atop a semi-truck, broadcast a 5-minute documentary,
“The Truth About Aegon” that was produced by the Dutch dockers. The giant screen allowed the film to be seen by many curious office workers and pedestrians. The short film explained how Aegon was able to take the pension funds – and how that move by a multi-billion dollar corporation has sparked international outrage.
Vice President Familathe told the rally crowd that support for the Dutch dockers is part of a long and proud tradition by the ILWU to promote international solidarity. International Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams said that Aegon’s greed was inspiring working-class support for the dockers union around the globe.
Watch the video, “The Truth About Aegon” that was shown at the rally: