ILWU Local 23

08/28/2026

We had another great informational picket last weekend to let the public know about American Cruise Lines (ACL) and their non-union operation on Puget Sound waterways.

Infinite love and solidarity to our union family from ILWU Local 29 who made the trip from up from San Diego to join the picket line in Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and Seattle.

Next picket is *TOMORROW*, Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm at Shilshole Bay Marina. See you there.

08/28/2026

In honor of longterm union sister Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week, we’d like to share a review of her “9 to 5” album that was printed in the UE NEWS in 1981. “[Parton] takes the movie’s theme one step further in her latest album, with songs all about working for a living.”

Many people mistakenly believe that “9 to 5” is titled after the hours of a standard workday, but both the song and film derive their title from the 9to5 movement led by the National Association of Working Women. The movement that began in Boston in the early 1970s was led by feminist women workers who advocated for equal pay and rights in the workplace.

Parton was a steadfast supporter of the working class and a dues-paying member of the Nashville Association of Musicians (AFM Local 257) for nearly 60 years.

08/26/2026

“When the ACL shifted operations from Tacoma to the Port of Seattle at Shilshole Bay Marina within the last two weeks, the ILWU began picketing there. Seattle Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda posted on social media: ‘Standing in solidarity with ILWU local 19 . . . demanding American Cruise Lines honor and respect the Port of Seattle Responsible Contractor policy and allow skilled, trained, safe workers to dock and load ANY cruise ship coming to our PUBLIC ports.’ The City of Seattle supports the ILWU’s calls for the Port of Seattle to back the union.”

The informational pickets are gaining ground, plus a former American Cruise Line employee shares experience.

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton knew what it was like to struggle as she fought for working families her whole career. From providing free books to kids to giving working women our "9 to 5" anthem, she was an icon and an inspiration.

Rest in power to our union sister. We will always love you.

08/25/2026

The ILWU International Executive Board passed the following Statement of Policy at last week's meeting in Vancouver, BC:

ILWU Statement of Policy: ILWU Denounces Recent Attacks on Voting Rights

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) strongly condemns recent attacks on voting rights in the United States. One of the core principles of American democracy is the ability to cast your vote in a fair election. This core principle is increasingly under attack. District maps are being redrawn, disenfranchising communities of color in the process. Proposed “voter ID” laws and restrictions on mail-in voting could limit, or even eliminate, citizens’ access to vote. And threats of intimidation at polling locations make voting far riskier for some communities than it should be. The Union is deeply concerned about any legislation, policy, or action that makes it harder for citizens to participate in our democracy. The ILWU stands against voter suppression and urges Congress to protect the right to vote for all citizens.

08/25/2026

105 years ago, nearly 10,000 union miners in West Virginia took up arms and marched through southern West Virginia to free union supporters who had been jailed and to fight back against brutal anti-union violence.

On August 25, on Blair Mountain, they faced Sheriff Don Chafin’s forces, including deputies, mine guards and a civilian army backed by coal operators. For days, the two sides battled on the mountain before federal troops arrived and the miners surrendered.

While the miners lost the battle, they left a lasting mark on American labor history – demonstrating the strength and determination of workers.

08/22/2026

We’re proud to stand with our ILWU sister locals in Seattle in our union’s ongoing effort to raise public awareness about ACL’s non-union operation. We’ll be back today from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

“An injury to one is an injury to all.”

08/22/2026

"Anybody that wants to know what's going to happen in the future or what the future of the workers of this country are gonna be: put your faith in the labor unions. Put your faith in the rank and file. If you don't, there's no other place to put it." �- Harry Bridges, 1986

08/22/2026

ILWU Locals 19 & 52 will be back on the picket line tomorrow at Shilshole Bay Marina from 10:10 am to 2:30 pm. Let’s tell American Cruise Lines: SEATTLE IS A UNION TOWN! Wear your union colors.