Max Vekich goes to Washington
ILWU Local 52 pensioner Max Vekich was sworn in as Commissioner at an in person ceremony held at the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in Washington D.C. on April 25th. Commissioner Vekich was previously sworn in to the FMC on February 10th in a virtual event.He was first appointed by President Joe Biden in June of 2021. (See the March 2022 issue of the Dispatcher for a full article on Commissioner Vekich’s appointment to the FMC.)
The ceremony was attended by Vekich’s family, friends, as well as representatives from all sectors of the maritime industry, and a delegation from the ILWU. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, who chairs the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, administered the oath of office. Senator Cantwell had championed Vekich’s appointment in the Senate.
Senator Cantwell noted Commissioner Vekich’s vast experience that he will bring to the FMC, saying, “Max is a 40-year, career waterfront person who knows how to move products and knows what working on the docks is all about. I had the great fortune of serving with him in the Washington State Legislature and I was a big fan then.”
Cantwell continued, “I’m proud to say that you are going to help all of us in the nation, not just Washington farmers, but all of us as only the second labor guy on the Commission, the first ILWU guy on the Commission, and the first Commissioner from the State of Washington.”
Commissioner Vekich acknowledged the support he received for his nomination from all levels of the maritime industry, employers, port officials, and labor. “‘It’s not common for employers to say, ‘we want a longshoreman— a union guy—in a political job,’ but they did,” Vekich said.
“We get more by working in the system and with employers to achieve common goals. Now we have infrastructure changes and plans. Our infrastructure is not what it should be. The greatest country in the world should have the best infrastructure in the world. I think we’re turning the corner; we’re going to get there. We will make jobs a priority, and we will make infrastructure a priority.”
“This is a proud day not only for the ILWU, but also for our industry and our country,” said ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris, who was a part of the ILWU delegation at the ceremony. “I can’t think of a more qualified person to fill this position than Max. With 40 years of experience working on the docks, he knows the issues and challenges faced by the workers who move the cargo through our ports every day. As a former legislator, Max also understands the political and policy side needed to be an effective FMC Commissioner and get the job done for our country.”
In addition to Secretary-Treasurer Ferris, the ILWU delegation in attendance included ILWU International Vice President (Hawaii) Sam Kreutz, Coast Committeemen Frank Ponce De Leon and Cam Williams, Local 34 President Sean Farley, Local 63 President Joe Gasperov, Coast Legislative
Committee Chair Dan McKisson (Local 19), Gary Herrera (Local13), Brock Graber (Local 23), and Dennis Young of the Alaska Longshore Division. Also in attendance were Master, Mates & Pilots President Don Marcus and representatives from the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The Dispatcher was on hand to capture the historic moment as well.