International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19

International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19
Name	International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19
Founded	1937
Location country	United States
Headquarters	San Pedro, California
Members	~2,000 (varies)
Parent organization	International Longshore and Warehouse Union

International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19 is a labor union local representing longshoremen, waterfront workers, and warehouse employees in the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach area, centered on San Pedro, Los Angeles. Founded in 1937 amid West Coast maritime labor struggles, the local has been a central actor in regional trade unionism, dock labor disputes, and maritime industry negotiations involving stevedores, shipping lines, and port authorities.

History

Local 19 traces origins to 1930s West Coast waterfront organizing associated with the rise of the International Longshoremen's Association conflicts, the formation of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and the leadership of figures such as Harry Bridges. Early actions intersected with events like the 1934 West Coast Waterfront Strike, interactions with the National Labor Relations Board era labor law changes, and regional economic shifts tied to the Great Depression. During World War II the local worked alongside wartime logistics networks including the War Shipping Administration and the United States Maritime Commission, later adapting to postwar containerization advances pioneered by firms such as Sea-Land Service and port modernization projects at the Los Angeles Harbor Department. In the late 20th century Local 19 engaged in disputes influenced by the advent of container ship globalization, competition from the Port of Oakland, and regulatory matters involving the Federal Maritime Commission and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union leadership contests. Recent history includes interactions with environmental regulation debates involving the California Air Resources Board and infrastructure programs like the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

Organization and Membership

Local 19 is chartered under the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and operates within jurisdictional frameworks that touch the Pacific Maritime Association, manifold shipping companies including Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, and terminal operators such as SSA Marine and APL. Members include registered longshore workers, clerks, foremen, checkers, and warehouse personnel who work at terminals serving carriers like CMA CGM and Evergreen Marine. Membership processes historically referenced standards codified by the National Labor Relations Act and internal ILWU constitution provisions, with hiring hall practices similar to other locals such as ILWU Local 10 and interfaces with labor law institutions like the California Public Employment Relations Board where jurisdiction applies. Local 19 participates in pension and welfare arrangements comparable to plans negotiated by the Longshore Division Pension Plan and interacts with unions including the Teamsters and the United Service Workers West on cross-industry matters.

Labor Actions and Strikes

Local 19 has been involved in notable waterfront labor actions from the 1930s through modern slowdowns and targeted work stoppages that affected carriers such as Matson Navigation Company and terminals operated by Pasha Hawaii. Historical strikes touched national politics during eras involving the House Committee on Un-American Activities scrutiny and disputes with municipal authorities like the City of Los Angeles. More recent labor actions have coincided with coordinated efforts by other West Coast ports, echoing strikes at ports like Longview, Washington and solidarity actions connected to international labor disputes involving organizations such as the International Transport Workers' Federation and the Maritime Union of Australia. Enforcement and resolution of actions have sometimes required mediation from entities like the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Contract Negotiations and Agreements

Contract bargaining for Local 19 has addressed wages, health benefits, pension contributions, automation protocols involving container cranes and automated guided vehicles, jurisdiction over clerical classifications, and safety rules aligned with standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Negotiations have involved major employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association and have mirrored pattern agreements across West Coast locals with settlement frameworks seen in the 1971, 1977, and 2002 coastwide negotiations. Agreements have had implications for cross-border trade partners such as Mexico ports including Ensenada and have affected shippers like Dole Food Company and Toyota supply chains using the Los Angeles/Long Beach complex.

Political Activities and Community Involvement

Local 19 engages in political endorsements, lobbying, and community programs intersecting with entities like the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, California State Legislature, and federal representatives from districts encompassing San Pedro, Los Angeles. The local has participated in advocacy around environmental policy with groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and labor-environment coalitions influencing California Environmental Quality Act implementation at port projects. Community involvement includes partnerships with institutions such as Harbor–UCLA Medical Center, labor education with the UCLA Labor Center, and participation in local cultural institutions like the Ports O' Call Village initiatives and maritime museums such as the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Political activity has at times entailed campaign contributions coordinated with broader labor federations like the AFL–CIO and engagement with municipal redevelopment programs such as the San Pedro Waterfront Redevelopment.

Notable Leaders and Members

Prominent figures associated with Local 19 and adjacent ILWU leadership include activists and labor leaders who influenced West Coast maritime labor history alongside national personalities like Harry Bridges and regional figures who interacted with politicians such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan during his California governorship, and local officials including Tom Bradley. Other connected labor leaders include members of leadership councils who worked with unions such as the ILWU Local 13 and movement allies in organizations like the Congress of Industrial Organizations.

Category:Trade unions in California Category:International Longshore and Warehouse Union