ILWU "Stop Work" Against the War on May 1st
I had the opportunity to meet with the National Co-Chair of the Million Worker March Movement, and also the President of Local 10, of the International Longshore Workers Union, Clarence Thomas.
Over the weekend, he gave a rousing speech as to why on May 1st the ILWU on the West Coast (from Tacoma to L.A.) will be taking a "stop work" meeting day, or what we are calling a strike against the war. Below I have copied a letter that he has sent (also see attachment) to the Trade Union Movement, and asked me to personally get the word out for the anti-war movement to stand in solidarity with them on May 1st. Please spread this letter far and wide. Take a moment to write to Mr. McEllrath and show that the anti-war movement will join forces with the Labor movement. United!
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As a result of an important action taken at the recent International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Caucus, Longshore workers will stop work during the first shift in opposition to the war in Iraq, on May 1, 2008. They will also use this occasion to acknowledge International Workers Day to express labor solidarity concerning issues and challenges that confront workers.
Over the weekend, he gave a rousing speech as to why on May 1st the ILWU on the West Coast (from Tacoma to L.A.) will be taking a "stop work" meeting day, or what we are calling a strike against the war. Below I have copied a letter that he has sent (also see attachment) to the Trade Union Movement, and asked me to personally get the word out for the anti-war movement to stand in solidarity with them on May 1st. Please spread this letter far and wide. Take a moment to write to Mr. McEllrath and show that the anti-war movement will join forces with the Labor movement. United!
*************************************************************************************************************************************
As a result of an important action taken at the recent International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Caucus, Longshore workers will stop work during the first shift in opposition to the war in Iraq, on May 1, 2008. They will also use this occasion to acknowledge International Workers Day to express labor solidarity concerning issues and challenges that confront workers.
This war has cost more than 4,000 American lives and 29,000 have been seriously injured. It has been estimated that 1 million Iraqis have lost their lives, untold have been injured and 4 million have been displaced in this illegal and immoral war and occupation. The war is costing $435 million per day. So far, $526 billion has been expended on the war. The daily amount spent on the war could enroll 58,000 youngsters in Head Start or provide health insurance to 329,200 low-income children.
We're writing to ask you to contact ILWU President Robert McEllrath with a letter of solidarity and support for the Longshore Caucus' resolution to use International Workers Day to "stop work to stop the war." Please ask other unions to do the same.
Robert McEllrath, ILWU President
1188 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 775-0533
(415) 775-1302 (fax)
Your support in spreading the word of this historic action is very important.
In Solidarity,
Clarence Thomas
National Co-Chair
Million Worker March Movement
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