Pepito Ragasa passed away on April 9, 2014 at the age of 90. He was a long-time member of the ILWU, a Business Agent for ten years, and was heavily involved in the Union and his community. Pepito is survived by his wife Alice; son Guy; brother Dado Rola, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. William Kennison, retired Maui Division Director, gave the following eulogy at Pepito’s service
The officers and rank-and-file members of the ILWU Political Action Committee (PAC) endorse candidates only after a thorough vetting process. The committee interviews candidates and reviews their positions on issues that are important to workers. If candidates have previously held public office, the PAC discusses their overall performance in office. The PAC takes the time and effort to go through this process so that ILWU members know which candidates will best serve the working people in our community.
All officers are accountable to the membership.
Portions of this report were adapted from the International Convention Report prepared for The Dispatcher.
President’s address
ILWU International President Robert McEllrath began by introducing his family and welcoming the delegates. Then he acknowledged the contributions of his fellow officers, Vice Presidents Ray Familathe and Wesley Furtado, Secretary-Treasurer Willie Adams, and Coast Committeemen Ray Ortiz, Jr., and Leal Sundet.
Panama Division
International solidarity within the ranks of the ILWU has resulted in continued growth in the new Panama Division. The connection between the ILWU and Panama Canal Pilots Union began during the 2002 lockout, when the ILWU longshore negotiating committee was seeking international support and met Londor Rankin of the Panama Canal Pilots Union.
them to sign. With online applications, the union has to rely on friends and family to contact the workers that are hired. Organizers must sign up at least 70-80% of the workers to ensure a safe margin to overcome the company’s anti-union campaign. He concluded by recognizing the organizing team of Local 142, which he said was doing an outstanding job.
Unit 4526 - Pacific Beach Hotel member Kohry Mulkey spoke on the resolution celebrating Pacific Beach Hotel workers’ contract victory after a ten-year struggle. Mulkey talked about his personal experiences during the organizing and contract fight, and thanked convention delegates for their support. Three Pacific Beach Hotel workers attended the convention—their first as ILWU members.
The Northern California Warehouse Master Contract is set to expire in 2017. This resolution affirms continued support from the ILWU International in the upcoming negotiations in 2017 and advocates for legislation and regulations that provides secure retirement security.
—Procedures—
Nomination—September 1-15, 2015. Nomination Petitions (ILWU-E-Form 14) signed by 25 members in good standing must be submitted to the Local Secretary-Treasurer between September 1 and September 15, 2015, inclusive. The Local President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and members of the Local Executive Board At-Large from the Industrial Groupings shall be nominated from the floor at the Local Convention.
