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Over 2000 Turn Out in Support of West Coast Dockworkers
This summer, the big shipping companies thought they could use Bush's anti-worker agenda to undermine the power of united dockworkers and their union, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). What they didn't count on is that Bush's threat to use US troops to replace dockworker jobs would galvanize our entire Puget Sound community.
 In the largest labor mobilization in Seattle since the WTO visit, over 2000 activists spilled onto city streets on August 12 to tell Bush, "get off our docks, and stay out of union negotiations."
Protesters first gathered at Pier 37 near the newly built Seahawks Stadium for BBQ on one of the hottest days of the year. Nearing rush hour, we peacefully marched up the tourist waterfront bringing traffic to a standstill on the 99 Viaduct and Alaskan Way for over one hour.
Eventually we reached the pier next to the Port administration building and rallied, sang, and chanted in a display of unity reminiscent of November 1999. Teamsters and turtles, practically every union banner in Puget Sound, elected officials, and community and faith leaders showed Bush that we know what democracy looks like. Longshore Troubadour Vance Lelli headlined the event with such crowd faves as "Push on Bush" and ILWU renditions of "This Land Is Your Land."
There will be no repeat of PATCO, Reagan's attack on air traffic controllers. As Robby Stern of the WA State Labor Council said, "we know how to fill these streets. We know how to go to jail. And, we will go to jail to stand up for what is right."
This event would not have been possible without the intensive community outreach of so many activist ILWU local union leaders. Strong leadership and partnership between JwJ and the King County, Pierce County, and Washington State Labor Councils was also essential in mobilizing such a broad base. Our Seattle and Pierce County Organizing Committees ran phonebanks and launched our JwJ Hotlist phonetree. We also sent emails to our 3000 address list. At the rally, Vance spoke to the how we all need to pledge "I'll be there" for this struggle and coming struggles like this one. Over 150 more people signed the JwJ-KCLC activist pledge card. Many longshore members showed their solidarity with the broader community pledging they "will be there" for other jobs with justice struggles.
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