The International Longshore and Warehouse Union

Paper Summary:

For the past hundred years, the members of The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have worked the docks and ports around the globe. This paper discusses how and when the union was formed, the type of workers who are involved in the union, key events in the union's history, its constitution and its growth record. The paper discusses the union's political program and questions whether it is truly democratic.

From the Paper:

"When women showed up at the docks for work, they were met with superstitious fear. A woman on a ship was a bad omen to old seamen, "witches brought storms, havoc and death" (Origins pg). Moreover, the waterfront had always been a man's world and it took strength to "handle cargo, lift barrels and drums and bales of cotton" (Origins pg)."

However, today with automation and technology such as computers, containers, and heavy equipment, muscle is not all that important. After twenty years, women finally gained a foothold, and today represent thirteen percent of the union's Longshore Division. Although, it may not seem like a high percentage, when compared to other non-traditional occupations, it doesn't seem all that low."

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