SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 19, 2014) – Longshore workers were able to safely enter the gate of an Oakland terminal on Tuesday night and work the ZIM vessel PIRAEUS. Unlike previous shifts over the last several days, the number of demonstrators and police at the terminal’s gate was small, and Longshore workers determined that the atmosphere did not pose a threat to their safety.
In the past several days, the vessel has not been able to discharge its cargo due to the volatility associated with a large community demonstration. Volatility on the first day was caused by a high number of demonstrators, coupled with a large police presence at the scene. On the second day, the demonstrators’ numbers had dwindled, but the police numbered more than 100 and posed a threat of their own. Even at the request of the Union, the police refused to disperse.
Melvin MacKay, president of ILWU Local 10 stated: “We will not work under armed police escort – not with our experience with the police in this community.”
The community demonstrators’ were protesting ZIM Lines’ association with the State of Israel and its recent military actions in the Gaza Strip. The ILWU has taken no position on the issue, but must protect the safety of its members and will not put them between armed police and political demonstrators where the numbers clearly constitute a volatile situation. In 2003, several longshoremen were injured after being shot by police’ rubber bullets in similar circumstances.
Update: Thirty ILWU members worked the ship, starting at 10 PM Tuesday and completing the work at 4 AM Wednesday.
— ILWU Coast Longshore Division news release