"Statement In Solidarity With Longview ILWU Local 21" from "OSCAR GRANT COMMITTEE Against Police Brutality & State Repression"
The ILWU [Longshoremans Union] has consistently been on the cutting edge of the struggle for workers rights and social justice for as long as we can remember.
The Oscar Grant Committee, home based in Oakland Calif., will celebrate it's first year of existence on Oct 23 as the outgrowth of the courageous and historic ILWU shut down of northern Calif shipping dock operations ,combined with a 1500 strong Union / Community rally
in Oaklands Ogawa Plaza on a rainy day in 2010 to demand "Justice For Oscar Grant".
We owe a debt of gratitude to the ILWU for their ongoing struggle for working class people both on and off the job and in the community. They not only stand up to exploitation on the job ,but also fight against police brutality and racist injustice facing working class people in their communities.
The ILWU has had the courage to oppose unjust imperial wars that drain the public coffers and kill hundreds of thousands of poverty conscripted soldiers and innocents alike,
The ILWU has had the guts to oppose and take a powerful job action against police repression of political prisoners such as Panther frame up victim Mumia Abu Jamal.
The list goes on .
We in the OGC recognize the not only our debt to the ILWU but indeed their unsurpassed value to the entire Social Justice Movement that their brave leadership provides.
We in the OGC and allied organizations Will Never Forget where we came from and our Brothers & Sisters in the ILWU.
AN INJURY TO ONE ,IS AN INJURY TO ALL
We understand that ILWU local 27 is under attack and in a 'life and death' struggle against Union busting, corporate greed /exploitation, police brutality/repression and political betrayal, hundreds of miles from us up the Pacific Coast. The giant multi-national EGT Development is attempting to destroy the 200 member union
We stand with you and we offer our solidarity to this brave community fighting for justice.
We condemn the police raids and mass arrests visited upon your righteous militants and leaders, who are standing up for the 'salt of the earth' .
We call for the removal of any DA's or corrupt judges or politicians that collaborate with this attack on working families.
We demand all Union supporters be released from jail and charges dropped against them.
We demand that the Operating Engineers # 701 stop scabbing and act like a real union and show some respect for working class principals.
We demand that the AFL-CIO give its complete backing and powerful Solidarity to the ILWU in this crucial struggle.
We promise that the working class thru its conscience community's will find ways to make EGT pay for their unconscionable attacks on workers rights. They shall not profit from Evil.
We call upon the entire Social Justice Movement to raise their voices and take a stand against this outrage. Let the enemies of justice know that they face a united and determined opponent that will not give up or falter.
We stand ready to be called upon by the ILWU to march and demonstrate or show practical "in the streets" solidarity.
The OGC Stands Ready To Fight With And For Our Sisters & Brothers In The ILWU!
UNION BUSTING & POLICE REPRESSION SHALL NOT PASS!!