In Sydney AU the Mining and Maritime Conference was held, April 14th and 15th.  2008 is the first year that the IBU/ILWU fully participated in this event, which is attended by maritime union delegates from all over the world.  However, the maritime struggle over privatizing the Sydney Ferry Co. was only a few miles away.  Sydney has a wonderful ferry system with several classes of vessels, the workers are represented by the Maritime Union of Australia.  There are many simularities between the ferry system represented by the IBU and Sydney.  As government workers the MUA members enjoy fair wages and benefits, as well as work rules and schedules.

But, just as the conservative government in the United States gave away good union jobs to a non-union company (Alcatraz Island ferry) so does the Department of Transport for New South Wales plan to privatize the Sydney ferry system for a quick profit and then leave the workers and the passengers to the cost cutting, profiteers.  If anyone has had the pleasure of riding a Sydney ferry, then they know what is up for grabs...it is a wonderful service with a proud and dedicated workforce.

No longer can the maritime unions sit back and allow global corporations or bad governments from pickin apart our long and hard fought for conditions of employment.  No longer can the IBU ignore the international labor movement, for as the MUA says:  If You Touch One, You Touch All.  This is a call for all ferry workers, throughout the world, to unite and fight!

For more information go to http://www.mua.org.au/news/general/ferry9.html

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, ILWU, endorses Barack Obama, "the best candidate for working families".  ILWU Executive Board members made the decision after meeting with the different campaigns and examining their positions on vital union issues.  International President Robert McKellrath said: "America's working families are ready for a candidate with a fresh approach who will put people first and hold corporations more accountable."

Alan Cote, National President of the Inlanboatmen's Union and an ILWU Executive Board member voted for the Obama endorsement.  "I polled the IBU Executive Council which by a large majority agreed with the Obama endorsement.  I personally have supported Barack Obama since the South Carolina primary:  I strongly believe we need a president that will unite and energize the younger generation of voters", Cote said.

It is vital that the IBU membership continue to engage in the political process and bring our issues forward, if you want more information contact your Regional Director or Executive Committee representative.