Dr. Ron Magden gave the keynote address for the event, chronicling the key events and figures in the local’s 125-year history.
On June 14th, Local 19 celebrated 125 years of the Seattle Longshore Union. Over 200 people turned out to the event that was held at the SeaTac Doubletree. Coast Committeeman Leal Sundet attended the event along with representatives from ILWU locals through- out the Pacific Northwest. Local 98 pensioner Joe Torro emceed the event.
The highlight of the evening was a historical presentation on the Seattle longshore local by ILWU historian and honorary member of ILWU Local 23, Dr. Ron Magden. The talk was illus trated by a slideshow of historical photos that chronicled the union’s defining moments and figures across its 125- year history. Stevedores, Longshore and Riggers Union of Seattle (SL&RU) was founded on June 12, 1886 when all of the longshoreman on the ships the Lily and the Argile walked off the job. The strike was preceded by two years of stalled talks over the workers’ demands for union recognition.
“The unionists sent A.J. Wilson and Terry King to see Pacific Coast Steamship Wharf Manager, William Van Waters. Wilson and King carried an ultimatum: grant a pay increase from 30 to 40 cents an hour, union recognition and control of dispatch by a man elected by SL&RU members,” wrote Magden in a short history he prepared for the event. “When the wharf manager reneged on including Seattle dock hand truckers in the agreement, the Stevedores, Longshore and Riggers Union refused to work the Pacific Coast Steamship Company’s ‘Queen of the Pacific’ and the ‘Portland.’ After three days, the bosses acceded to the demands of the unionists” wrote Magden.
Eighty-eight men hailing from all over the world—Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South American and North America signed the union charter. Many of those original members are buried together in the Washelli Cemetery with a tall poplar tree planted at the head of each grave, noted Magden.
The event was an opportunity for Local 19 members to honor those longshoremen who fought for the wages and protections that benefit dockworkers today.
Coast Committeeman Leal Sundet (right) speaking at the Seattle Longshore anniversary event. Next to him is Local 94 pensioner Joe Torro who was the emcee for the event.
“It is easy for us who have been around awhile to take for granted the benefits and opportunities we enjoy on a daily basis. It is our responsibility and obligation to honor the men and woman who fought for us, fought for a strong union and good contract,” said ILWU Local 19 President Cam Williams. “In the 125 years since the longshore workers first struggled to gain better wages, safer working conditions, and a fair and equitable dispatch system through a collective bargaining agreement, a lot has changed in this world. Imagine what our founding fathers would think of the technology that links us to the dispatch hall and opportunity for work, the massive cranes and top-picks we drive, the volume and size of the vessels that call on the port—I think they would think we have it pretty easy. But I also think they would be proud of the fact that they set the table for us.”
Traci Williams, a 16-year member of the ILWU came to the event to cele- brate the anniversary. “I feel like I won the lottery by getting to be a member of this local,” she said. “We are like a crazy dysfunctional family sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”